Purchase of new police canine approved by Council

DOWNEY - The Downey City Council approved the $35,000 purchase and training of a police service dog at their meeting Tuesday night.

Since its re-establishment in 2013, Downey Police Department’s dual-purpose Police Service Dog program has grown to include four canines.

With the unexpected passing of canine “Dani” due to an unforeseen health issue in July, DPD requested that another canine be purchased in order to keep the program at four dogs.

“We’re excited to add another canine to our program,” said Chief Dean Milligan. “We’re looking to continue our program on the path that it’s been in the past. Keeping the four dogs gives us the best coverage the best service to the city…It allows us to have a complete corps of dogs that are trained both in detection and apprehension.”

Should the department find a dog that suits its needs and there are no complications or setbacks with training, Milligan predicts that the newest member of the canine program should be trained and ready by mid to late February or early March.

The funding for the fourth dual-purpose service canine comes from the 2019-20 Downey Police Department budget.