News Staff Report
The Atmore Police Department (APD) announced this week the addition of two K-9 officers, Bama and Bantu, to its law enforcement team. The new four-legged officers have already begun to play “a vital role in the department’s efforts to enhance public safety and combat crime in the community,” police officials said in a press release.
APD began in May the process of putting together a K-9 unit tasked with narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension of fleeing suspects, tracking missing persons, and search and rescue operations.
The pawed policemen — Bama and Bantu, both males — are the latest in a recent string of new APD programs, including the department’s Drone Program and Project Eye. Since the K-9 program’s start, local businesses and residents have donated $14,000 to purchase feed and supplies.
The canine cops were involved in 50 deployments in September.
Bama, who came to Atmore from Hungary, specializes in narcotics detection and will be part of the city’s educational component.
Police Chief Chuck Brooks said Bama, who is also trained in tracking and apprehension, “will be used for narcotic detection at the local schools very soon and very often.”
Brooks described Bantu as a “bite dog,” whose job is to track down suspects and detain them until additional officers arrive. Bantu came to Atmore from California.
Brooks expressed enthusiasm for the new officers.
“Bama and Bantu bring valuable credentials to our department,” he said. “Their presence will bolster our crime-fighting efforts and enhance public safety for our residents and visitors. We’re proud to have them on our team and look forward to the work they do alongside their handlers, Joshua Hochstetler and Justin Thompson.”
Both dogs have undergone rigorous training to assist with critical police operations, Brooks said, adding that “their unique skill sets will support officers in locating illegal substances, missing persons, and suspects while contributing to community engagement efforts.”
Mayor Jim Staff said the special animals will play a huge role in keeping local residents and visitors safe.
“Adding Bantu and Bama to the Atmore Police Department marks an important milestone for our city,” the mayor said. “With these two officers, our police force now stands stronger than ever, increasing the number to 28. As we continue to grow and evolve, I look forward to seeing the positive impact these K-9s will have on our city. I’m confident they will be integral to keeping Atmore safe for years to come.”
The initiative was made possible through generous community support and a fundraising effort led by APD Sgt. Chance Thompson, who helped raise the necessary funds to recruit and train the officers.
For more information about the Atmore Police Department’s K-9 unit and upcoming events, please contact Chief Brooks at chiefcbrooks@atmorepolice.us or 251.368.9141.