The Porterville City Council is set to address crucial staffing changes within its police K-9 unit, highlighted by the upcoming retirement of K-9 Nieth, a dedicated police service dog.

Nieth, a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois, has served the community since August 2020, specializing in both patrol duties and explosive detection. His impending retirement stems from his age and recent health concerns, factors that increase his risk of injury during duty and rigorous training, making continued service no longer in his best interest or the department’s.

In a customary gesture reflecting the strong bond between handler and dog, the council is expected to approve the sale of Nieth to his current handler, Officer Jasmine McAlister, for a nominal sum of $1. This transition ensures Nieth’s well-being and a comfortable retirement alongside his dedicated partner.

The K-9 unit faces further adjustments with the reassignment of another K-9 handler to the patrol division, creating an additional vacancy. Consequently, K-9 Duke is currently housed at the Top Dog Training Center, awaiting the selection of a new handler to continue his service within the police K-9 unit.

Top Dog Training Center, identified as the department’s current police service dog vendor and trainer, is the only facility of its kind in Tulare County that provides specialized kenneling and training for police service dogs. Their expertise is crucial in maintaining the operational readiness of the K-9 force.

To address these staffing needs and ensure robust law enforcement capabilities, the city council is also poised to approve the procurement of a new police service dog. This initiative includes comprehensive training for two handlers, one for the incoming K-9 and another for Duke, reinforcing the department’s commitment to community safety.

Once these approvals and training are completed, the Porterville Police Department anticipates a fully staffed K-9 unit, comprising four police service dogs capable of providing 24/7 patrol and support services. This strategic move strengthens the department’s operational capacity and dedication to public protection.

The city council’s agenda for Tuesday also includes approvals for other community initiatives as part of its consent calendar, such as the Mariachi Fest Market celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. These diverse items underscore the council’s broad engagement with local affairs and community enrichment, alongside critical public safety matters.