New K-9 Officer Joins Westminster Police

The Westminster Police Department recently welcomed K-9 Officer Rigo, an 18-month-old German Shepherd from Poland, to its ranks. Officer Tyler Price, Rigo’s handler, has been training him in narcotics detection and human tracking. The department, which had been without a K-9 unit since 2022, funded the new addition with a $7,500 grant from the American Kennel Club and a $4,000 contribution from the Westminster Police Foundation. Rigo and Price will continue daily training for two more weeks before transitioning to weekly sessions with other agencies. Price is also learning Rigo’s alerting behaviors and studying relevant case law. Off-duty, the pair have been bonding, with Price noting Rigo’s playful nature and good behavior at home. Rigo is expected to be officially on duty by mid-May.