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Tigard Police Proudly Adds New K-9

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	City of Tigard 13125 SW Hall Blvd. Tigard, Oregon 97223	Press Release April 7, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact:	Jim Wolf, Public Information Officer Tigard Police Department Phone: 503-718-2561 Pager: 503-795-2391 Email: jim@tigard-or.gov

Tigard Police Proudly Adds New K-9

Tigard Police Officer Brian Jackson and Baxter

On Monday, Tigard Police Officer Brian Jackson was officially recognized as a certified K-9 Handler with the State of Oregon. Officer Jackson recently completed a 400 hour K-9 training program offered locally through the Washington County Sheriff's Office. A total of seven officers, representing six local police agencies, received K-9 Handler certification at a commencement program held at the Hillsboro Civic Center on March 31st. To successfully complete the program for certification, officers must demonstrate proficiency with hands-on tactical and control skills as well as extensive knowledge of K-9 handling as evidenced by successful completion of a series of written tests.

Tigard's new K-9, Baxter, was obtained from a vendor in Florida earlier this year. Baxter, just under a year old, was bred in Europe. Prior to Tigard Police selecting Baxter, several other dogs were considered, but for various reasons did not meet the standards for acceptance by Tigard Police. Baxter is a male pure bred German Shepherd. He continually received high marks from the instructors during the ten week training program.

Officer Jackson will officially begin work as a Tigard Police K9 handler, along with Baxter when they both report for their shift April 2nd. Tigard Police previously halted the K-9 program in 1998 when both K-9's active at the time were retired. The program has been in hiatus until last year when Tigard City Council approved the reinstatement of the K-9 program for the Police Department.

K-9's are considered an important component in the continued efforts for a community to remain competitive in the fight to reduce crime. The added ability for tracking, delaying and locating suspects involved in crimes can prove to be invaluable to a police department.