A police canine was recently retired due to a combination of age and injury; therefore, leaving only two police canines to cover three shifts.  Police canines are essential to law enforcement in detecting drugs and the apprehension of criminals.  The police canines are also critical to minimize officer risk.  $8,300 is needed to purchase a canine, which includes training and initial veterinarian costs.  Thus far, the Department has received $7,157 in donations and there are pledges for the remaining costs.  The Downtown Billings Exchange Club wishes to donate $1,500 to the Billings Police Department to purchase a Police Canine.  Council policy requires that any donation of more than $500 must be approved by the City Council.   Donation verification forms directing funds to the Canine Program have been signed and will be forwarded to the City Clerk.  City Council is being asked to accept the donation for $1,500 from the Downtown Billings Exchange Club. 

The City Council may:

• Accept the donation to purchase a Police Canine; or
• Not accept the donation for the Police Canine which would result in the loss of canine coverage for one of the three police shifts.

This donation will afford the Billings Police Department the opportunity to purchase a police canine without using City funds. 

Staff recommends that City Council accept the donation in the amount of $1,500 from the Downtown Billings Exchange Club to purchase a police canine.