Metroparks welcomes first new canine police officer

Officer Parks, assisted by his handler Ofc. Tom Green,
poses for his official portrait after being sworn
into office as a member of the Huron-Clinton
Metroparks Police Department last week.

The Huron-Clinton Metro-parks Police Department congratulated the newest officer on the force last week when he was awarded his training diploma and officially sworn into the department.
Officer Parks, a Labrador Retriever, joined the force in February and recently successfully completed all his necessary training and was awarded his diploma during the December meeting of the Metroparks Board of Commissioners meeting earlier this month.

Parks is the first canine officer with the Metroparks Police Department. Among his duties, he is expected to be a goodwill ambassador for the Metroparks and foster positive interactions with the police department, officials said. As part of Parks' training, he and his handler, Ofc. Tom Green, are now certified in tracking and explosives detection. Green proudly noted that Parks graduated first in his class for obedience and that his extensive training and certifications now allow the dog to work to conduct police activities. Evidence produced by certified canines and officers is now recognized in courts during both criminal prosecution and civil litigation purposes, officials noted.
Parks and Green are required to receive additional training on a regular basis to maintain the court recognized status. Parks will also occasionally be available to travel to assist other police departments when a need for his special services arises, Green said.
“Parks is a nice additional resource for the department and we look forward to introducing him to new Metroparks visitors at upcoming events. Besides assisting in the law enforcement aspect, Parks will provide a nice bridge between the police and patrons of the Metroparks,”noted Metroparks Chief of Police Michael Reese
Parks proudly raised his right paw as Smith completed the official swearing in witnessed by members of the Metroparks board, staff personnel, the public and members of Parks' human family.