Circleville, OH – March 10, 2025 – The City of Circleville is proposing to use opioid settlement funds to expand the Circleville Police Department’s K9 unit. During a recent City Council meeting, officials discussed the allocation of funds from the opioid settlement to purchase a new police canine, along with a specialized vehicle for the dog and updates to the department’s property and evidence room.
The funds are part of the settlement that supports the ongoing fight against addiction, and city officials believe it is an appropriate use of the money to improve local law enforcement capabilities. “This funding will not only help enhance our K9 unit but also save the city money in the long run,” said Circleville. “It ties into the need for a new canine, vehicle, and updates to the evidence room, all of which are critical to our operations.”
The proposed allocation includes $45,009 for the vehicle, $10,000 for the purchase and training of the canine, and additional funding for the vehicle’s necessary modifications. The total cost for the project is estimated at $212,000. The City emphasized that the new K9 unit will play a key role in the department’s efforts to combat crime, including drug-related offenses while providing long-term cost savings for the city. Currently, the City only has one K9 that could retire in two years. K9 officers usually have a 5-year working career.
The proposal is still under review, with further discussions expected in upcoming meetings.
