Oxford Police Chief John Jones is enthusiastic about having a K9 unit in his department, not only for the law enforcement aspects of it, but also as a public relations tool.
“These K9s have made significant contributions to keeping our community safe. They have taken numerous dangerous drugs off our streets, they have tracked down numerous suspects both in Oxford and other communities when called for mutual aid, they’ve assisted in missing person searches, and been a great community relations tool,” Jones previously told this news outlet.
“Many citizens want to see and pet the dog which makes them approach the officer and have a conversation. The K9s have conducted many demonstrations at various events such as the Butler County Chiefs of Police Respect for Law Camp,” he said.
Oxford’s previous police canine, Cole, was retired from service last year.
Hardin joined the Oxford Police Department in 2013 and said he is happy for the opportunity as a K9 handler.
Other departments in the county with K9 units include Hamilton, Middletown, West Chester Twp., Fairfield and Trenton, and Hardin said handlers from those departments are a source of support for him as he enters this new phase of police work.
Hardin and Roscoe completed six weeks of training together last month. Previous to their training together, Roscoe trained for months in police work at Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pa.
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