New Mexico Town’s Police Force Adds Dog, Body Cameras and Armor

Jal, N.M., police has some new additions to its department in the form of a canine officer and body cameras.

The Hobbs News-Sun reports that Jal interim Police Chief Mauricio Valeriano says the city was able to budget for a K-9 unit and additional equipment this year.

Police say the new police dog, a 1 1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois named Richie, will help in sniffing out more drug crimes.

Officials say Jal was one of the last communities in Lea County without a K-9 unit.

Valeriano says recent unrest around the country surrounding alleged incidents of police brutality did not influence the decision.

But officials say the body cameras will help in protecting officers’ liability and make the police force more transparent.