Erie police welcome three new K-9 officers

Erie police are set to welcome three new K-9 officers, marking the return of police dogs to the force after more than a decade. The Belgian Malinois will undergo five weeks of training in Ohio starting Monday. The dogs, Atlas, Bo, and Deacon, will assist in tracking criminals, evidence, and detecting explosives and drugs. The Erie Bureau of Police received $371,700 in grant funding to support the program, including training and equipment. This initiative follows a push by police officials to reinstate K-9 units, with the last dog retiring in early 2014. The new K-9 officers will work across all three patrol shifts and assist other agencies as needed.