Arlington Hts. police to add 3rd canine unit

The Arlington Heights Police Department will add a third dog trained to detect narcotics.

The Arlington Heights Village Board Monday approved spending $16,322 to purchase the dog from Vohne Liche Kennels of Denver, Ind. and to obtain equipment and initial training for the handler. Forfeitures from drug arrests provide the money that funds the canine units.

Mike Butler, who has been on the force for about 12 years, will be the handler for the new dog, said Capt. Nicholas Pecora. Selecting a dog in late August will be one of his first duties.

While Butler and the dog will primarily work the midnight shift, department officials hope having a third dog and handler will make the canine units more available when needed. The first two canine units were established in 2007.

"Tangible benefits can be measured by increased drug seizures and success rates in tracking criminal suspects," the department said in a report to the board.

"Intangible benefits may include the positive response from residents and community organizations when members of the unit appear at community sponsored events."

Police officials hope having a third K-9 team will reduce overtime, with the increased probability that a team is on duty, said the report.

The board approved waiving competitive bidding since current dogs, equipment and training come from Vohne Liche.