Why does Bristol chief believe town can support a K-9 unit

To The Daily Sun,

Last week Bristol Police Chief Michael Lewis brought a proposal to the Board of Selectmen to institute a a K-9 program in Bristol. He stated that through a combination of forfeiture money, grants and donations the program wouldn't cost the taxpayers of Bristol anything. As with all things "too good to be true," this is truly too good to be true.

In order to certify a K-9 unit both officer and dog must complete a 15-week training course. In order to maintain certification, monthly training is required. Additionally the recent Garcia Decision requires the town pay the officer beyond his regular shift for daily grooming. The dog requires a separate vehicle equipped for canine transport. If a dog officer makes an arrest the suspect cannot be transported in the same vehicle, a separate vehicle must be called in. When the Bristol officer is off on paid training another officer will be needed to fill his shift, most likely requiring overtime. The additional liability insurance cost for a K-9 unit is the same as adding an officer.

In Concord there are several bills pending in the Legislature that would direct forfeiture funds to the general fund, there has even been talk of adding an amendment to one that would make this retroactive. If forfeiture funds disappear what will happen? After the first year where will funding come from? What if the dog becomes ill or injured and has to be put down?

In an interview with the Grafton County Sheriff Douglas Dutile, he stated that he had researched the possibility of starting a K-9 unit to cover Grafton County. Even with 190 prison inmates he was unable to make the numbers work. He stated if he needs a dog he simply calls the State Police.

Why does the Bristol police chief believe that Bristol, with 3,054 inhabitants, can support a K-9 Unit? I think Bristol is just fine the way it is. So chief, if you need a dog simply call the State Police.

Paul Simard

Bristol