K-9 Program

In the spring of 2014 Chief Barber announced that IPD has re-established it's K-9 Program! After a rigorous selection process Officer Kimmich was selected as the IPD K-9 Officer.

Officer Kimmich and Bert attended an intensive 8 week patrol training certification program in the Syracuse. Officer Kimmich and his K-9 will learned basic dog obedience, tracking, suspect apprehension, and a variety of other related topics. They also attend a 4-week school later in summer of 2014 to become certified in explosive detection. Officer Kimmich works with his K9 Bert in a multitude of capacities to help keep Ithaca a safe place to work, live, and grow.

Members of the Ithaca community can expect to see the K-9 Team at festivals, sporting events, community relations events, and activities that draw large crowds. While on patrol, the K9 Team will be utilized in building searches, suspect apprehension, explosive detection, and searches for missing persons. Chief Barber noted that the K-9 Team will undoubtedly help to improve police-community relations. He stated "I'm excited about having Officer Kimmich involved in this program and welcome the public to stop and say hello when they see our K-9 Team at public events. This is another avenue that will help build stronger police-community relations." The initial start-up costs for the program are funded through a Homeland Security grant and private donations.