Police Department Gains New Tool

The Ponca City police department retired Ben, the last police dog more than 3 years ago.

Ben’s successor is Koda, a 11-month old German shepard, Belgian malinois mix, who just arrived in Ponca City Thursday.

Police Chief Don Bohon said both these breeds are highly desired for police dogs.

Koda’s training begins today and in about eight weeks he will be a valuable tool to the department.

“They are drug detection and patrol, they are called dual purpose," Bohon said. "They can do drug detection, and then we can use them for patrol work, which is everything from apprehension to fleeing suspects to they can area searches for articles. They can trail people that’s a little more difficult task to have as a secondary skill for a dog, but they can.”

Bohon said dogs can do things humans just can’t.

Which is why they come with such a hefty price tag.

Koda cost more than $7,000 and the Ponca City Police Foundation paid for him.

The city is responsible for supplies and training will be free.

Koda will be training with his handler, Ben Garrison in Ponca City with Oklahoma Highway Patrol.