McMinnville Police Department is sniffing out the possibility of adding a second K-9 unit to its department.

The city Safety Committee met Tuesday and approved an expenditure of $9,000 for a German shepherd, from Blue Drive K-9 in Cookeville, trained in both narcotics detection and search and rescue tracking. That price includes a four-week handler course.

“We are confident this addition will be a great asset to the police department and community,” said McMinnville Police Chief Nichole Mosley.

Axel, a Belgian shepherd, was purchased in 2020. His handler is police detective Sgt. Eddie Colwell. He will be joined by Kane, a full-blooded German shepherd. Kane’s handler has yet to be announced. 

“Like Axel, this dog is trained in narcotics detection and search and rescue tracking,” said Mosley. “Search and rescue tracking gives us the ability to track suspects that have fled the scene of a crime and wanted suspects who are evading arrest. He can also be utilized in the evident of a lost child or elderly person with medical issues.”

The dog is not an attack dog and would not be used during those types of situations. 

Safety Committee members unanimously approved the purchase.