K-9 program approved for Town of Bath police

Police Chief Jim Minton presented his case for a K-9 program at the Bath Town Council meeting on January 16.

"Most people think a K-9 dog is just a drug dog, but this dog will do much more," Minton said.

Council members and police had been given a demonstration of the capabilities of a K-9 dog on January 13.

"Everyone who saw that demonstration was impressed," said Mayor Susan Webster.

In addition to detecting drugs, the dog is trained to perform patrol work, building searches, finding lost children, tracking and apprehending fugitives and assisting in arrests. When added to the force, the dog will be a K-9 officer and have the same status as any other police officer.

"A dog can search a building much faster than a policeman. Most fugitives surrender when given the police warning,