BPD receives new canine

With the re-establishment of their canine division, the Bloomington Police Department is taking new strides to find missing persons and bust criminals.

Officer Dana Cole received a German Shepard named Pongo, the first of two new police dogs. Cole said the canine division is something newly-appointed Chief Michael Diekhoff wanted to re-establish.

Cole said the canine division will be a great addition because it fulfills more than one purpose.

“A dog gives us a lot more options,” BPD Capt. Joe Qualters said.

Pongo’s primary job is drug detection in buildings, parcels and vehicles, as well as giving officers probable cause to search a scene, Cole said.

Cole said Pongo will be big for the department’s tracking needs. Pongo can track a missing person by smelling an item of their clothing.

Last summer, a dog from another department was used for tracking during a murder investigation, Qualters said.

He said the department knew the suspect fled the scene by foot, and the dog was used to track down the suspect and found him in a cellar.

Along with tracking, the dogs are used to help the department in other ways.
Since Pongo joined the force in February, he has assisted Cole in eight narcotic-related arrests. Qualters said the more accurate Pongo is, the more arrests can be made.

“This is going to build the credibility of the department,” Qualters said.

Although there are many reasons to have a canine division, Qualters said, it comes at a price.

With each dog costing between $10,000 and $20,000, Cole said BPD is lucky to have received the two new dogs at no cost.

The dogs were being donated by Canine Companions, who have also offered free veterinary care and kenneling when necessary, Cole said.

Cole said Bryan Bailey, CEO of Canine Companions, is training Officer Jonathan Hoffmeister – who received the other dog – and himself on how to handle the dogs. He said they are looking at 20 hours of training each week.

Having grown up with dogs, Cole said he has always been fascinated by police dogs.
Another expense the department has is outfitting patrol cars to transport the dogs, Qualters said. The department also compensates Officer Cole with any expenses he incurs since Pongo lives with him.

Qualters said he feels police dogs have proven themselves over and over again, and to have two will be a vast improvement for the department.

“The dogs are going to be very positive for the department and the community,” Qualters said.