Police K-9 Unit

The Rockport Police Department is seeking your assistance with funding for the purchase of a Dual-purpose Law Enforcement K-9. A Dual-purpose K-9 is patrol oriented and cross-trained for narcotics detection, assisting officers in tracking suspects, and finding lost/missing people and detaining very violent suspects/ criminals.

Obtaining a police service K-9 will not only benefit the citizens of Rockport, but the five schools in our county and surrounding communities as well. Our Law Enforcement K-9 and handler will also assist other organizations and departments as requested and this will be the only K-9 in our County. Law Enforcement K-9's is highly trained but come with a great financial obligation. In us attempt to provide the best possible services, we are asking for donations from everyone please. All donations will go to the cost of purchasing the K-9, training and equipment for both handler and the K-9. The estimated total cost of the project is $26,000. Any size donation will help and would be greatly appreciated.

1. Lives Saved and Safer Apprehensions 

• Locating Missing Persons: K9s are crucial in rapidly finding lost children, elderly individuals with dementia, or, suicidal individuals, often making the difference between life and death.
• Reduced Use of Deadly Force: The presence or deployment of a K9 often leads to the peaceful surrender of suspects, reducing the need for officers to use lethal force.
• Suspect Apprehension: K9s can track, chase, and secure dangerous suspects, often faster than multiple officers. 

2. Time and Money Saver

• Efficiency in Searches: A K9 team can search a building or area up to seven times faster than a team of human officers.
• High Detection Rates: Dogs can detect narcotics, explosives, and illegal contraband faster and more accurately than machines or human, often in minutes rather than hours.
• Reduced Manpower: One K9 team can replace the need for a large perimeter or search team, saving significant overtime costs and freeing up officers for other duties. 

3. Crime Deterrence and Specialized Skills

• Locating Hidden Evidence: K9s can find small, discarded, or hidden evidence, including electronics used in child exploitation cases, which helps secure convictions and keep criminals off the streets.
• Vehicle/Cargo Screening: They quickly screen vehicles for drugs and explosives. 

4. Community Rapport and Safety

• Building Trust: K9s serve as ambassadors, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community during public events and demonstrations.
• Protecting Officers: K9s are used to clear potentially dangerous buildings, ensuring officer safety. 

While the initial cost of a K9 can be high (up to $17,000), they often pay for themselves by reducing the time and personnel needed for investigations and lowering liability, with many departments offsetting costs through community's, states, or private donations.