Residents of Clinton may notice a new member to the Clinton Police Department roaming the streets now.

Last year the department purchased a dog to be the drug dog for the department, and Lasko, a Belgium Malinois (Mel-in-wuah), has been in training the past several months to be ready to go this week. Clinton Police Chief Mike Reidy explains the dogs training has been based on his toy drive.

[audio:policedog1.mp3]Word from Reidy[/audio]

Chief Reidy adds Lasko has been trained in tracking. He explains this skill will benefit the Police Department at crime scenes when something has been left behind they can use to track the culprite. He explains the dog was trained by a reward when he gave a positive response to finding what he was searching for.

[audio:policedog2.mp3]Word from Reidy[/audio]

The Police Department has had some issues with the previous dogs they have received. Chief Reidy believes Lasko has the potential to be a good police dog for the department.

[audio:policedog3.mp3]Word from Reidy[/audio]

Lasko's handler will be Officer James McClure. Chief Reidy notes the K-9 car Officer McClure will have has several special features, including if the dog is in the car and the temperature inside the car gets about 85 degrees, the windows will automatically roll down for it.