Hatboro Police Starting Up K9 Unit

HATBORO, PA — Police work in Hatboro is going to the dogs, and local officials want you to help.

The borough's police department has been approved to bring on some four-legged officers with a nose for crime. But police are trying to bankroll the K9 unit entirely through donations from citizens.

"We want to start this unit without any additional burden to the taxpayers," borough officials said in a Facebook post.

The police department is working with Elm Street Hatboro and Hatboro Federal Savings on the fundraising effort. They are hoping to raise around $40,000.

Hatboro Police say a K9 unit would increase officer safety, add tracking abilities to find missing and endangered people, help solve crimes and discourage criminal activity. A K9 also would serve as a public relations ambassador and help with drug enforcement both in the borough and elsewhere in Montgomery County, they say.

They already have their eye on a four-legged officer to start the unit, named Officer Louie.

A GoFundMe page to help raise the money was created on Thursday.

Even if you can't afford to donate, you can still help the cause. Hatboro Police are entered in a contest in which the winner will get $5,000 toward a K9 unit. To vote, click here.

Photo via Shutterstock