The Hamlet Police Department is getting a K-9. Officer John Lynch told the town council Wednesday that he’s worked out a deal to get a narcotics detecting dog that’s been out of a job since her handler switched departments.
“The dog has been imprinted and certified on six narcotics: methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana,” Lynch explained. “Trained in area search, so if you get, maybe, an older person, a Silver Alert, or autistic kids, it can track. It’s not trained to apprehend. It’s not trained, nor will it, take down somebody.”
Council President Dave Kesvormas felt the K-9 could be an important tool in combating the drug epidemic and slowing the rate of overdoses. “I think if we deterred one or two of them from that happening, especially with this bad batch that’s killed three people in town already, I’m in favor of it,” he said. “I think it’s a good idea.”
Lynch said that through negotiations, he’s able to get the dog at no monetary cost, and he already has donations lined up for food, veterinary care, and possibly some of the equipment. The cost of the handling course and recertification is expected to be about $2,000, but he’s confident he can also cover that with donations.
“We’re trying to line this up to where it’s not costing the town a dime, other than just giving us your blessings and saying, ‘Let’s do this,’” Lynch told council members.
But Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts warned that Hamlet doesn’t have any extra money in its budget, meaning the police department can’t fall back on town funding if unexpected expenses come up. Still, council members wanted to make sure the K-9 is covered under the town’s insurance, to make sure the town is protected legally. In the end, they agreed to let the police department move ahead with a K-9 program, as long as it covers all other costs.
