Whitewater police seek donations for first K-9 unit
By Vanessa Lenz
Staff Writer
The Whitewater Police Department has kicked off a fundraising campaign to start its first K-9 unit.
Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher announced plans to acquire a K-9 service dog during the Whitewater Common Council meeting Dec. 18.
Captain Brian Uhl is spearheading the effort with a goal of selecting the unit’s first Labrador Retriever this year.
Otterbacher said due to city budget constraints, the police department is unable to afford the $45,000 start up cost for the K-9 unit without donations from community members, civic groups and businesses.
She said the dog will expand the police department’s capabilities allowing it to detect controlled substances in places like schools and businesses, as well as vehicles.
According to the police department, the drug-sniffing dog will also be used during traffic stops, search warrants, and consent searches and other searches related to arrests.
The dog can also assist in the location of lost children, vulnerable adults or traffic fleeing suspects.
Police also plan to use the service dog to boost public relations by visiting schools, community groups and churches to teach the negative aspects of drugs in the community.
“With the ever-increasing presence and use of drugs in the community, the property crimes associated with these activities and the impact on the teens and young adults, we feel strongly that the additional proactive step of starting a K-9 unit will serve Whitewater very well,” Uhl said.
All donations will go to support all first year costs of the dog, training, equipment and staff time.
The police department has already secured food and veterinary care.
Annuals costs for the dog are estimated at $750.
To donate, make checks out to: Whitewater Police Department K-9 Unit Foundation, 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190.
Donation levels are 4 Paw Sponsor – $1,000 or more; 2 Ear Sponsor – $100 or more; Wet Nose -$10 – $100.
