New Haven Independent

A request came before the Board of Aldermen Monday authorizing acceptance of two private grants to go towards buying two yellow labs for the police force. The dogs, Orvis (pictured) and Nia, are to be used for narcotics investigations.

Before the item was approved, Alderman Charles Blango added this amendment: “be it resolved that these dogs shall only be used for narcotic sniffing purposes.”

The dogs are part of a new approach to policing ushered in by Police Chief James Lewis. The approach has stirred some fears of “aggressive” policing.

Blango later clarified his concerns: Growing up in the 60s and 70s, he saw “the ways they used to use dogs as crowd control.” He wanted to make sure dogs were not used in that way and do not attack anyone.

Westville Alderwoman Ina Silverman assured the board that yes, the labs would be used only for locating narcotics during drug busts. The dogs will be trained by state police, she said. The two grants are: $5,000 from the Milk-Bone Stop & Shop Partnership and $2,300 from the Wal-Mart Foundation. The grants won’t cover the whole cost of the dogs; other parties, including some East Rock neighbors, have been fund raising to sponsor the two canines.

With Blango’s amendment, the grant proposal passed unanimously.

“Woof!” called out Westville Alderman Sergio Rodriguez.