A second Canine Unit is coming to the Belleville Police Service.
Chief Mike Callaghan says the enhancement further strengthens a commitment to ensure safety and security in the community.
He calls it a true community initiative with sponsors providing donations to move the project ahead.
Chief Callaghan adds that since reestablishing the program in 2020, current Canine Officer Const. Jesse McInroy and partner Bax have played a vital role in law enforcement and public safety.
The additional unit will significantly enhance the capacity of the service to respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, and provide specialized support to law enforcement personnel.
Callaghan says the highly trained dogs and operators assist officers in a variety of tasks including narcotics detection, search and rescue operations, tracking missing persons, and apprehending dangerous suspects.
The Canine Unit is also involved in presentations and education sessions to community groups and youth in the community.
Additional details will be released over the coming weeks to acknowledge donors and supporters of the initiative.
The new Canine Unit will deploy in 2024.