ROCKLAND — A four-legged officer might one day join the Rockland Police Department if Police Chief Tim Carroll is successful in persuading councilors and citizens of the value of a K9.

In an email response to the press, Carroll wrote that people and departments don’t recognize dogs as one of their biggest assets as positive public relations.

“I obviously am in favor of a K-9 program as I supported and encouraged for the Sheriff’s Office teams that we had there,” said Carroll. “I think K-9’s are an invaluable tool for law enforcement in many areas.”

A formal proposal for a K9 unit has not been submitted. However, a heads up was provided to council during the Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 Agenda-Setting Meeting.

City Manager Tom Luttrell and Carroll are researching the costs associated with having a K9 team and a specially equipped cruiser to accommodate the dog.

“I just wanted to be up front with everybody that we are looking into this,” said Luttrell. “It will, hopefully, be progressing forward, unless there are some major concerns with council.”

Carroll said he’d look internally to see if there is interest. Or, if the PD finds a team already trained and ready, he’d consider that team as well.

Councilor Sarah Austin was quick to assure the public that the first item of importance after approving a K9 would be to establish policies and provisions on how and when the dog can be used. However, Councilor Penny York stated that K9 provisions already exist within the Rockland charter.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com