The Lebanon Police Department is currently without the services of a police dog.
Lebanon Police Chief Bryan Arnold, who started on the job last month, said he had learned that the department’s police dog, Zidane, had missed an annual certification. As a result, he decided to suspend the program until all certifications are completed.
Arnold said the certification is not required by law, but the department wants it done to ensure the K-9 meets the highest standards. He explained his decision to suspend the K-9 program in an email to the Record.
“As the new Chief of Police, I am taking a look at all of our special programs and units. During this process, it came to my attention that our K-9 was not tested for recertification at the end of 2018,” he said. “It is important for me to point out that this recertification is not required in Missouri and I have been told some agencies do not seek annual recertification because of this reason. As the new chief, I am interested in leading the best police department Lebanon can have. I want all of my personnel, including our K-9, Zidane, to have the best training in order to preserve the safety of our citizens.”
For more on this story see Saturday's print or e-Edition of the LCR.
