Newest Addition to KPD Offers a Unique Set of Skills

By Brian Nowlin, Staff Writer

The Kenbridge Police Department recently added a new and unique member to their group of officers.

The news officer who is now part of the KPD is named Anon. You may be wondering why he has only one name, and that is because he is a canine officer. KPD Sergeant Aaron Peter and Anon have been training for the past 12 weeks at the Powhatan Department of Corrections facility and they are now ready for action in Lunenburg.

Anon is a  2 ½ year old Belgium Malinois that is trained to smell and find a variety of drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine and more.

Sergeant Peter stated, “Drugs related crimes are a major problem today, and they can also lead to other crimes being committed such as theft.”

He continued, “ I think that Anon will be a great addition and resource for our department in helping with a variety of crimes.”

Sergeant Peter would go on to say that he can also be a great resource in traffic stop situations, noting that Anon is allowed to run and alert to vehicles without violating fourth amendment rights.

He stated, I have always wanted to get involved with canine training working with them in law enforcement so I am thankful that the department and Kenbridge officials were supportive of this addition to the department.

Kenbridge Police Chief Raymond Hite said that he was thrilled to have Sergeant Peter and Anon as a resource for not only his department, but for other local departments as well.

Chief Hite stated, “This is a great addition to the department and will give us a unique ability to implement the K-9 training in a variety of ways.”