City Council Unanimously Supports Restoration Of New London Police Department K-9 Force

The City Council voiced their support of continuing “the proud tradition of the police canine program in the city” in a unanimous vote on Monday.

The resolution is a response to the recent reduction of the New London Police Department K-9 program from three dogs to one. Council President Michael Passero introduced the measure at a Public Safety Committee meeting on June 25, where several officers brought concerns with the NLPD staffing levels, K-9 program, and work environment before councilors.

The resolution references awards received by the program and K-9 handlers dating back to 1993. It also says the NLPD “appreciates and relies upon mutual aid assistance by K-9 units from local law enforcement agencies, but recognizes the need to also maintain its own component, well-staffed K-9 teams” and recommends that the program be maintained at its recently maintained strength of four dogs.

One dog was sold to its handler last year after the officer resigned from the force. More recently, Mayor Daryl Finizio announced that the city would retire patrol dog Buck due to the K-9’s arthritis problems and turn the dog over to his handler at no cost. Finizio also said Bessie, a tracking bloodhound who has been boarded by the Connecticut State Police since the departure of the dog’s handler from the NLPD, will be given to another law enforcement agency.

The resolution specifically supports retaining Buck and Bessie, saying Buck has been medically cleared to serve another two years and that Bessie “represents an investment of city resources and has able assisted the police department in its law enforcement mission.”

Councilor John Maynard said he would prefer to have the resolution passed as an ordinance establishing the size of the K-9 program, saying he did not think the resolution would carry as much weight.

“The mayor doesn’t listen to the Charter most of the time,” said Maynard. “I don’t see why he would listen to a resolution.”

Councilor Adam Sprecace said the Council should start with a resolution and take stronger action if Finizio does not respond. Councilor Marie Friess-McSparran said she wanted an ordinance passed to avoid the possibility that Bessie would be transferred to another department in the interim.

“We have to act quickly to avoid the loss of another K-9,” said Friess-McSparran.

Passero said he thought a unanimous vote would send a clear message to the city administration and avoid certain roadblocks, such as the possibility that Finizio would veto the ordinance. The Council can overturn such a veto with a six-sevenths majority.

“I would only see this as a first step,” said Passero.

A vote to pass the measure as an ordinance failed in a 3-3 tie, while the resolution passed unanimously in a 6-0 vote. Council President Pro Tempore Wade Hyslop was absent.

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