Recent changes in law enforcement have diminished the need for drug-sniffing police dogs. One police department in particular is beginning to replace dogs with drones. They cite liability and safety as primary motives behind the shift.
According to The Journal, the Durango Police Department is not planning on replacing Betty — the force’s only canine employe — who recently retired.
Deputy Chief of Police Brice Current says changes in public perception and drug legislation have lowered the need for specially-trained police dogs. According to Current, “A lot of the narcotics have been dropped down to misdemeanors, so we really need to look at how tax dollars are spent and relate it back to our strategic plan for public safety.”
Going to the Dogs…Police Dogs
Specifically, Current cites “Expense, liability, training, upkeep, available [personnel]and equipment” as the main issues behind the sudden change. Unfortunately, every K9 in a police vehicle means one less vehicle to transport suspects or people needing urgent medical attention.
Interestingly, the United States Police Canine Association reports that dog training for patrols and narcotic searches can range anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000. On top of that, ongoing expenses like vet care, food, and continuous training can cost upwards of $20,000 annually.
As a result, it’s not surprising that many departments are considering cutting back their canine programs. Even with local support, Current says police dogs simply aren’t part of their strategy going forward.
What is surprising, however, is the police department replacing dogs with drones. While dogs are a staple of any police force, Current says drone technology is more cost-effective in certain situations. Specifically, Current says certain search-and-rescue operations are safer and more efficient when using drones. Which, equipped with night vision and giving aerial perspectives, makes sense.
Whatever the future holds for the Durango Police Department, what matters most is the dogs’ future. Hopefully, those dogs that would’ve been brought onto the force are given safe forever homes. With all the training and commitment these dogs give, it’s only fair that they get to live out their lives in a comfortable home.
