Agenda Packets - 2012/06/25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No: 6A Meeting Date: June 25, 2012 Type of Business: Special Order of Business Administrator Review : ____ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Thomas Kinney, Chief of Police Item Title/Subject: Introduction and Recognition of Police K9 Niko Background: In November of 2011, approval was received to move forward on the police department’s first ever canine program. The department underwent a selection process of officers within the department and selected Officer Nick Erickson to be the first canine handler. Officer Erickson received his dog, Niko, a one year old male German Shepherd dog, in late February of 2012. The department received a grant worth $6100 from the St Paul Police Canine Foundation to help fund the purchase of the dog and the initial 12 week training conducted by the St Paul Police Department. This training program involved a demanding and rigorous schedule for Officer Erickson and Niko. Officer Erickson and Niko attained certification in the areas of obedience and criminal apprehension and graduated from the program on May 24, 2012. Discussion: While Officer Erickson has demonstrated his dedication and successful graduation from the canine training academy, another officer deserves recognition for his behind the scenes work. Sgt. Ben Zender initially proposed the idea of a canine program and conducted a large amount of research highlighting the important issues to consider. Sgt Zender consulted with many key people connected with police canine units and even arranged the acquisition of an outdoor kennel for the dog. A special appreciation to Sgt Zender is warranted and well deserved for all of his hard work. Niko will be recognized as the newest and first ever police canine for the Mounds View Police Department! Respectfully Submitted, __________________ Thomas Kinney Chief of Police