Dunwoody and Monett Police add 4 new K-9 dogs in 2021 to help find drugs and missing people

Dunwoody and Monett are adding 4 new police dogs to their teams. This is more than before and will help find drugs and evidence faster starting in early 2021.
By Newsroom | Public Safety, USA |

DUNWOODY POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACQUIRES NEW CANINE UNITS

Two new dogs and their selected handlers are undergoing intensive training for the Dunwoody Police Department's K-9 program. The dogs will learn skills in drug detection, article searches, tracking, and obedience. Upon completion of training and certification, expected in early 2021, these canines will be deployed to identify illegal narcotics, assist in locating missing persons or suspects, and find evidence.

New K-9s on patrol in Dunwoody - 1

FOUNDATION EMPHASIZES COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR POLICE

The Dunwoody Police Foundation has launched a campaign soliciting donations, framing them as essential to supporting officers. > "Your donations allow us to focus on what matters most — supporting the officers who risk their safety for ours," the foundation states. This initiative positions financial contributions as a direct method for the community to "back our heroes" and ensure officers' needs are met, whether on or off duty. The foundation's objective appears to be bolstering officer readiness and morale through this support structure.

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MONETT K-9 PROGRAM ADVANCES WITH EXPERIENCED TRAINER

Separately, in Monett, MO, officers Dulany and Sperry are set to begin handler training this month with Travis Walthall, a trainer with 27 years of experience. Walthall is overseeing the initial obedience training for Jakin, Officer Dulany's 13-month-old K-9, and Thor, Officer Sperry's 18-month-old K-9. The program utilizes Patriot K-9 Training of Joplin for this foundational phase. This mirrors Dunwoody's approach, focusing on equipping new canine units with essential skills before operational deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the two new Dunwoody K-9 units start working in the community?
The two new dogs and their handlers are training right now. They expect to finish their training and start working in early 2021 to find drugs and missing people.
Q: What specific tasks will the new Dunwoody K-9 dogs perform after their 2021 certification?
The dogs will learn how to find illegal drugs and search for items or evidence. They will also help police track and find missing people or suspects who are running away.
Q: How is the Dunwoody Police Foundation helping officers during this new K-9 program launch?
The foundation is asking people for donations to help support the officers. This money helps pay for things the officers need while they are working or at home to keep morale high.
Q: Which officers in Monett, Missouri are training with the new K-9 dogs Jakin and Thor?
Officer Dulany is training with a 13-month-old dog named Jakin, and Officer Sperry is training with an 18-month-old dog named Thor. They are working with a trainer who has 27 years of experience to learn basic skills.
Q: Where is the Monett K-9 training taking place for the new dogs in 2021?
The training is being done by Patriot K-9 Training of Joplin. The dogs are learning basic obedience and how to follow orders before they start their official police work.