PLACENTIA, Calif. — The Placentia Police Department's latest recruit has super-human senses and strength to shakedown criminals for drugs and weapons. His name is Habo.
The department bought Habo, an 18-month-old German shepherd, to form the department's second K-9 unit so officers are better equipped to apprehend suspects and search for drugs. He will join a Belgian malinois named Falkon.
"Dogs are very beneficial," Sgt. Brian Perry, Placentia's canine coordinator, said. "They help our officers by keeping them out of harms way."
The cost for Habo, his training and installing a cage in a patrol car will be $21,500 and is being paid for with money seized in drug-related cases. The Placentia City Council last week approved using the funds.
The department will take possession of Habo by July 16 and expects him to be in service by the first week of September. A handler has not been selected for him.
It will take weeks for Habo and his new handler to train.
Police dogs play multiple roles, making them valuable, Perry said. Along with sniffing out drugs, the canine cops can also help in the search and apprehension of suspects.
Also, a K-9 unit is usually more confident operating alone than a single officer, Perry said.
"A canine is almost like having a partner," Police Chief Rick Hicks said.
Having two police dogs means the department will have more flexibility and spend less on calling in a K-9 unit that is off duty, Hicks said.
In light of tightening city budgets, Perry is starting a foundation for Placentia's K-9 units that would help pay for a third dog, a bite suit for training and bullet-proof vests for the dogs. One canine vest costs about $800.
Besides being a law enforcement tool, K-9 units also serve as a great community relations asset, Hicks said.
"The community loves the dog," he said. "It gives them the opportunity to interact with the department."
The city accepted a $1,200 check from the Placentia Round Table Women's Club last week to pay for Falkon's future training.
For more information on the Placentia K-9 foundation call 714-993-8164.
Habo, an 18-month-old German shepherd, was recently purchased by the Placentia Police Department.