APD welcomes 2 K-9 officers, Bama, Bantu

Published 2:23 pm Monday, October 7, 2024

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By Special to the Advance

The Atmore Police Department announced recently the addition of K-9 officers Bama and Bantu to its law enforcement team.

The two four-legged officers will play a vital role in the department’s efforts to enhance public safety and combat crime in the community, according to a release.

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In May, the APD began the process of starting a K-9 unit tasked with narcotics detection, tracking and apprehending fleeing suspects, tracking missing persons and search and rescue incidents.

Bama and Bantu, the APD’s Drone Program, and Project Eye provide another asset for Atmore residents, officials said in a release.

Since the program’s start, the department has received over $14,000 in donations from local businesses and residents, and the K-9s 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.

Chief Charles 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.”

Bantu, a dual-purpose K-9, is what Brooks described as a “bite dog.”

His job is to track down suspects and detain them until additional officers arrive. Bantu made the trip to Atmore from California.

Brooks is enthusiastic for the new K-9 officers.

“Bama and Bantu bring valuable credentials to our department,” the chief 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 K-9s have undergone training to assist with police operations.

Mayor Jim Staff echoed Brooks’ remarks.

“Adding Bantu and Bama to the Atmore Police Department marks an important milestone for our city,” Staff 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,” he said. “I’m confident they will be integral to keeping Atmore safe for years to come.”

The K-9 initiative was made possible through community support and fundraising efforts led by Sgt. Chance Thompson, who helped raise the necessary funds to recruit and train these K-9 officers.

For more information about the APD’s K-9 unit and upcoming events, contact Brooks at chiefcbrooks@atmorepolice.us or 251-368-9141.