The Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) is bringing back its K-9 Unit after a year-long hiatus, thanks to improved staffing levels. The decision aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities in tackling crime, from drug detection to search and rescue operations.

Staffing Woes No Longer an Obstacle

For the past year, GJPD was unable to maintain its K-9 Unit due to a shortage of personnel. Now, with staffing levels stabilizing, specialized units like the K-9 division can return to active duty.

“We were short on manpower for a while, which made it impossible to allocate resources for a K-9 Unit,” said Jason Sawyer, Commander at GJPD. “But now that we’ve built our staff back up, we can once again support this critical unit.”

Selecting the Right K-9s and Handlers

With the green light to reactivate the program, the department is now in the process of acquiring two police dogs and selecting officers to become their handlers.

• Any sworn officer in the department is eligible to apply for a handler position.
• Interested officers must submit a letter of interest for consideration.
• Handlers will be carefully matched with their assigned K-9s to ensure compatibility.

“All our handlers will spend time with multiple dogs to find the best fit, not just for work but also for their personal lives,” Sawyer noted. “These dogs live with their handlers, so it’s crucial to find the right match.”

Intensive Training Ahead

Once the K-9s and their handlers are selected, an extensive six-to-eight-week training program will follow. This training ensures that the handlers and their dogs can work together efficiently in real-world scenarios.

• Training will cover drug detection, suspect apprehension, and search-and-rescue operations.
• The goal is to have fully operational K-9 teams by the end of the program.
• Handlers must be proficient in reading their K-9’s signals and maintaining control in high-pressure situations.

A Costly But Worthwhile Investment

Maintaining a K-9 Unit is not cheap, but the benefits outweigh the costs. The estimated price tag for acquiring and training each K-9 ranges between $20,000 and $25,000. Despite the expense, the department sees it as a valuable investment.

“When we stop a car suspected of carrying drugs, a K-9 can help confirm our suspicions,” said Sawyer. “Or if someone goes missing, our dogs can track them down much faster than human officers alone.”

With the return of the K-9 Unit, GJPD is reinforcing its commitment to keeping Grand Junction safe, ensuring officers have the tools and support they need to serve and protect the community.