Tarzan is Deputy Ken Baker's pet and the Rock County Sheriff's Department newest addition to the team.
By Sara Strong
Rock County's version of Tarzan does much more than swing from vines. The all-purpose German shepherd police dog will help the Sheriff's Department search for criminals and victims, as well as lead them to drug arrests.
Rock County Deputy Ken Baker wanted to be the dog's keeper ever since he learned the department was looking into getting a dog.
Baker said, "Basically, I can be involved in all aspects of law enforcement. If there's anything [Tarzan] is needed for, I'll get the call."
Baker has a great deal of respect for what the dog will be able to accomplish. "He can do the work of 10 of us," Baker said.
He and Tarzan are starting a 12-week training session Monday and will return to Rock County patrols with added confidence.
Tarzan came to the department already named, but Baker has to take him on as a pet and constant police partner.
The dog's presence has been anticipated by many in the community for almost six months, when it was first brought up at a joint meeting with Luverne City Council and Rock County Board.
Luverne schools are even excited about Tarzan's completed training.
Some Luverne Middle School students are doing a fund-raiser and have committed half the proceeds for a bullet-proof vest for Tarzan.
Community policing
Along with his useful job skills, Tarzan brings the Rock County Sheriff's Department some good publicity and will be a part of school and community events. In keeping with that idea of awareness and education, Sheriff Ron McClure presented a new approach to policing that heÕs implementing.
"Community policing" is a term that's been used in other sheriff's departments when they take on a more visible presence in the community.
McClure said to the Rock County Board of Commissioners, "The Sheriff's Office has taken a more proactive stance in the community."
Starting in Luverne, the department is going to Rock County businesses to review security measures and encourage future communication.
The department will also visit schools and drop in on sporting events. McClure hopes these small things will foster a relationship of trust and openness within the county. He hopes people will feel more free to approach police to offer tips that may help them do their jobs better.
If there's a burglary in a neighborhood, the Sheriff's Office will ask neighbors to check their own security and make them more aware of what the department is doing to protect them.
The new policing philosophy is new to McClure, but he looks forward to what it may bring. He said that for many years, he tried to stop his deputies from stopping to have coffee, but now that's exactly what he wants them to do.