Turlock Police Dogs Returning To Streets After 6-Year Absence

TURLOCK (CBS13) — After more than five years, canine officers will once again patrol the streets of Turlock.

City Manager Roy Wasden says the decision keeps more than just the officers safe. The dogs help hunt down potentially dangerous felons and some sniff out illegal drugs.

After its two only canines retired in 2009, the city shut down the program, because it couldn't afford it.

"They were at end of useful life and the budget just wasn't there to replace them and we were in the everything must be cut mode," he said.

The economic crisis not only crippled the canine program, but placed officers and the citizens they serve in jeopardy. They were at the mercy of other agencies helping out.

"We were reliant on other canines being available," he said. "The sheriff's office, Modesto or maybe other cities that would come down if there ever was a need for a canine."

That can take a lot of precious time to get help.

"It's really a good addition back to the department," he said.

City officials believe with the new canine officers on the way, they'll not only get to crime scenes quicker, but play a dual purpose—catching bad guys and stealing the hearts of the people in the community.

"The dogs are very popular in the community. They're wonderful," he said.

It will cost the city of Turlock more than $100,000 to get the program up and running. That covers two dogs, equipment and training.