Scotts Valley Police get first K9 officer in more than 40 years

There’s a new member of the Scotts Valley Police Department as of this week.

Atlas, a 13-month-old German Shepherd-Malinois mix, is the department’s first K9 officer since 1972.

Atlas and Det. Brandon Polito will undergo a five-week training academy in August focusing on narcotics, patrol and tracking.

The Scotts Valley Police Department K-9 program was revitalized with grant money and generous donations from the community. Tax deductible donations are still being accepted. To contribute, contact Det. Polito at 440-5670.