Soon the four-legged cops in Sioux Falls will be as protected as their two-legged counterparts.

The Sioux Falls Police Department just announced they will be getting new body armor for the K9 Unit in the city.

Currently, Sioux Falls has four K9 cops; Rio, Robi, Max, and Doerak. Up until now, the four fury, fanged, peace officers were sharing two aging bullet resistant vests. KDLT TV is reporting that thanks to the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9's, the department will be receiving four new bullet and stab resistant vests at no cost very soon.

The move for extra K9 protection is prompted by rising crime in the Sioux Falls area.

According to Sgt. Olson with the Sioux Falls Police Department, vests are used when the dogs are placed in high risk situations. Olson says, "Barricaded subjects or for tracking a suspect that we think is potentially armed or that we think has committed a very serious felony."

Due to the increase in crime in Sioux Falls, those types of situations happen on average a couple of times each month, says Olson.

Olson said there have been situations in the past where suspects have tried to attack the dogs or assault the dogs. The new K9 vests will add another level of confidence for the police and the animals.

"When the dog has a vest, they have a little more comfort sending them in these high risk situations and have a little more ease that the dogs are going to be protected and safe” according to Olson.

The new vests are custom made for each animal. In addition to providing more protection for the dog, they will also fit much better.

The cost of each vest is between $2,000 and $2,500. Had the department not received the donation, they would have paid $8,000 to $10,000 for the four vests.

Source: KDLT TV

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