Drug and Alcohol Coalition
11/26/07
Members present: Robert Wharem, Denise Morin, John Webber, Dan Ward, Larry Konopka, Jim Maestranzi
Called to order 1904
Minutes approved from 11/05/07
Sgt Joy from the Barrington Police Department and Ofc Merrigan of the Bow Police Department present to
speak about how a K-9 Unit would work and what it would take to start a program.
Discussion:
Where funding may come from
Start up cost for the first year is around $15,000 untrained K-9
Two different ways to start training. 4 week out of state intense program or a local 12-week program
Things the k-9 is allowed to do by law
Different judges will interpret laws differently
After first year, maybe $300-400 a year for vet bills
Food and other items are sometimes donated
Town’s with a K-9 program do show a lower crime rate
Tracking k-9s can reduce overtime.
Good PR tools
On the average officer has 2 days a month of outside training.
Dogs belong to the town and the town assumes liability
It is common to ask the new k-9 officer to sign a contract
Cruisers should go home with the k-9 officer for safety reasons, and for ability to respond to calls
Town will have to put together a warrant article to pay for the set up/ running of the program
K-9 can last 9 years under perfect conditions
It is up to the Chief, any type of dog can be found for the department. Hard dogs/ social dogs
Fully trained dog will cost $10,000, but the officer still needs to be trained
Dogs can be obtained through the working dog foundation.
K-9s and handlers are annually certified
JPPO Brazier was unable to attend this meeting. Will attempt a future meeting
Old Business
Committee’s name is now officially Drug and Alcohol Education Coalition
Mission statement was adopted by a unanimous vote as follows
The mission of the Pittsfield Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Education Coalition is to promote a healthier
Pittsfield Community by reducing substance abuse, underage drinking and alcohol addictions, and sustain a
collaborative community involvement with prevention information, intervention solutions and treatment efforts
that will promote positive behaviors which will measurably improve the health and well being for our youth,
families and citizens.
JRW