Harper Woods K-9 Program
In 2016, GPAAS joined with the Harper Woods Police Department to create the Harper Woods K-9 Program. This program was designed to implement a K-9 team consisting of one dedicated officer and a fully trained K-9 partner. The program was set in motion with the selection of the K-9 officer and the acquisition of the dog ($15,000). Then after an exhaustive training program out of state for certification, purchase of required and needed equipment for the new K-9, the team went to work on the streets. Another cost component was a specialized cruiser for the K-9 team at a cost of $55,000. This team has had great success over the years and splits responsibilities for call outs for a K-9 team with the Grosse Pointe Farms K-9 team. It is astounding the effect a K-9 team can have on de-escalating a situation keeping both the officers and public much safer.
The need to raise funds for this program continues on. The Public Safety Department cannot solicit funds so that is why GPAAS is their advocate. Harper Woods Police Department pays the K-9 officers salary but there are weekly training requirements, annual certifications, equipment, medical and food expenses for the dedicated K-9. It is our goal to raise $10,000 annually to help cover these costs.
Remember, when you see a K-9 officer and his partner, give them a wave and a thumbs up, they are great officers working hard with amazing K-9 partners for all of us.
The need to raise funds for this program continues on. The Public Safety Department cannot solicit funds so that is why GPAAS is their advocate. Harper Woods Police Department pays the K-9 officers salary but there are weekly training requirements, annual certifications, equipment, medical and food expenses for the dedicated K-9. It is our goal to raise $10,000 annually to help cover these costs.
Remember, when you see a K-9 officer and his partner, give them a wave and a thumbs up, they are great officers working hard with amazing K-9 partners for all of us.