After an intensive, six-week basic handler’s course in Reno, Scotts Valley Police Officer Brandon Polito and Atlas, SVPD’s new K-9 unit was deployed to begin official duty on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Atlas, the 16-month-old German Shepherd-Malinois mix, was selected to be a police dog back in July. This is the first time the police department has had a K-9 unit since the 1970s.
“I have never had a dog that is as intuitive as he is,” Polito said.
The Scotts Valley City Council approved the K-9 unit in June and many businesses and residents throughout the community have been extremely helpful in welcoming the new dog, said SVPD Chief John Weiss. Grant funds and donations have made the unit possible.
“It’s been a moral boost in the police department to have a K-9 back here and it’s exciting,” Weiss stated. “It’s a tool in our community that we have available for us if we need to search for a missing person or if we suspect that there are narcotics or drugs in a building or vehicle.”
The first night that Atlas was deployed, he completed two narcotics searches. Recently, the dog was able to search a house for a potential burglar, which turned out to be a false alarm. Polito said that it was a good trail run for Atlas that did not result in a trip to the hospital.
“Atlas has already sniffed out some drugs in some vehicles — mostly marijuana — so he is doing his job, and he has been a pleasure to have in the police department and everyone enjoys having him here,” Weiss said.
The six-week training course taught Atlas basic obedience, scent detection, apprehension, and patrol skills.
Together, Polito and Atlas will patrol Scotts Valley a minimum of three nights a week in a specially equipped patrol vehicle that protects Atlas from overheating.
“We have had overwhelming support from the community, it really makes me proud to work in this community,” Polito said.
Many local businesses have donated to the SVPD K-9 unit including The Flower Outlet, and Mountain Mike’s Pizza.
Earthwise Pet Supply has provided free food, toys, and grooming, while Scotts Valley Feed donated a year’s worth of food to Atlas, said Polito.
Numerous residents such as Bruce Canepa, retired SVPD Chief Steve Walpole and Pedro Zamora of Capitola’s K-9 unit have made donations, and Mount Hermon Veterinary Clinic has donated physician time.
“The PR value of having an officer out there meeting and greeting with the community, wagging his tail, and licking hands is just terrific,” Weiss said. “So I think all the way around, he is a winner.”
