SOUTH BEND, IN (WSBT) — Two new police dogs joined the St. Joseph County Police.
But they will not be assigned to go on patrol. Instead, they will serve at the St. Joseph County Jail.
Tuesday was Thor and Apollos’ first official day at the county jail.
Police say security is a top priority.
Andrew Finn, Warden, St Joseph County Jail says he is looking forward to having the dogs at the jail as they will provide another layer against contraband that may be smuggled into the jail.
“The deterrent, the drugs, searching. It’s one of my biggest fears as Warden of the facility is having the conspiring brought in. Now we have a tool to stop that and prevent it,” said Finn.
St. Joseph County Sheriff Bill Redman donned the “bite suit” to help introduce the departments newest members.
The specially trained police dogs will help boost security for both staff and inmates.
“They are trained for a purpose. So, if we were to have an incident where an inmate gets a hold of a sharpened object or something, and it prevents I have an officer safety issue. I can send the dogs in rather than having the staff go in,” said Finn.
A body scanner and metal detector will continue to be used.
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