Commissioners Approve Drug Dog
Roosevelt County commissioners emphasized their commitment to battle the area’s drug problems by approving funds for the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office to have a K-9 program along with training.
“There’s a need for canines up here for drug searches,” Roosevelt County Undersheriff John Summers explained to commissioners. “It would be an useful tool for the county.”
The nearly $12,000 for the program will come from drug forfeiture money.
Expenses will include about a month-long of training for a deputy. Summers said that Sheriff Jason Frederick has made contact with a handler in Spokane, Wash.
“It came recommended to the sheriff to use the company,” Summers said.
Summers noted when a vehicle search is needed, deputies now might need to wait hours before a dog comes from Glasgow or Plentywood to conduct a search.
Pat O’Connor, chief deputy, also stressed the importance of a K-9 program.
“The benefits to the county would be great,” O’Connor said. “There’s so much drug activity in Roosevelt County in general especially in the east end because of Williston, [N.D.].”
O’Connor added that the program would be self-sufficient because there will be asset seizures involved.
“If it can reduce the drug problem, I’m for it,” commissioner Gordon Oelkers said.
The motion passed by a 2-1 margin. Commissioner Duane Nygaard voted against the motion because he had concerns about having the department be short-handed.
Commissioners also approved purchasing a pickup for the sheriff’s office for $30,500. The funds came from the Stone Garden fund.
A proposal to split the jobs of the Disaster Emergency Services director and commissioners’ administrative assistant position failed.
“We didn’t give any raises this year and now we want to add a job?” commissioner Gary Macdonald said.
The motion failed 2-0 with Macdonald and Nygaard voting against it.
Commissioners approved the hiring of detention officer Jennifer Smith. The sheriff’s office is now fully staffed.
The commissioners approved the hiring of two AmeriCorps positions. The $8,000 for the positions will be paid for with grants.
