The Hoquiam Police Department wants to add a narcotics-detecting dog to the force and got the approval of the Hoquiam City Council on Monday.
Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers told the council the department would cover the cost of the program — a little more than $85,000 — using drug forfeiture funds.
“The majority of the actual expense would be for the canine patrol vehicle and related equipment,” read Myers’ report to the Council. “Given the unique assignment of the vehicle specific to the narcotic canine program, this allows the department to use drug forfeiture funds to make this purchase.”
A canine vehicle has specific requirements, including a special prisoner screen, dog compartment and air conditioning, Myers told the Council. The cost of a 2020 Ford Interceptor SUV with the necessary equipment would make up the bulk of the total cost of the program at $66,860.
“I believe we have more than sufficient funds from Operation Green Jade to support all these expenses and it would be a positive use of the forfeited assets seized from these international drug cartels,” read Myers’ report to the Council. Operation Green Jade was the large-scale illegal marijuana growing operations bust conducted by the Drug Task Force starting in late 2017. The operation seized about $400,000 in cash and gold, along with homes, vehicles, jewelry and guns, along with $80 million in marijuana plants from the Chinese nationals participating in the grow operations.
Other one-time costs include the Department of Corrections Narcotic Dog Academy, which includes the dog, $1,500; and 240 hours of patrol coverage while the officer attends the academy, $7,500. Ongoing costs amounting to a little less than $10,000 go toward monthly training coverage, food and veterinary expenses, and dog-related gear, toys and training aids.
The program requires a significant commitment from the officer assigned to the dog. That officer will essentially be the dog’s owner, taking the dog home, on vacations and doing everything any other pet owner would be responsible for on a daily basis. Myers said Officer Jared Spaur has stepped up to take on the responsibility. Officers attend the training and are matched up with a dog. It can be just about any breed, said Myers.
Myers told the Council the dog could be used at the jail to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the facility. He said it would be a deterrent; once it’s known there is a dog there that can sniff out contraband.
The dog would be used to sniff out drugs during routine patrols, assist in drug search warrants by the department and the Drug Task Force, and be available to conduct random school drug sweeps when requested by the school district.
Council President Paul McMillan said the city’s Public Safety Committee strongly supported Myers’ proposal.
Hoquiam has not had a narcotic detection canine since its previous dual-trained canine, Enno, passed away from cancer in 2013. Myers said the department hopes to have the program “in full operation by the start of 2020.”
