City Of Minnetonka: Meet Your Police Dept's Newest Recruit

Press release from the City of Minnetonka:

10/11/2021 8:19 a.m.

This summer, the Minnetonka Police Department’s newest recruit hit the ground running – on all four paws.

Meet Mattis! He’s an 11-month-old Belgian Malinois, who arrived from the Czech Republic in early August. Mattis is the department’s second K9 and will partner with Minnetonka Police Officer Eric Finnvik.

Mattis isn’t ready for the field quite yet. He and Officer Finnvik are currently attending an intense, 12-week training program that focuses on obedience, drug detection, locating discarded evidence, tracking and suspect apprehension.

Once his training is complete, Mattis will be certified by the United States Police Canine Association, and his primary role will be helping officers locate people and evidence.

“As my partner, Mattis will respond to daily and emergency calls,” Finnvik said. “He’ll be asked to find and possibly apprehend suspects involved in crimes, locate evidence and aid in locating missing persons.”

Minnetonka has had a K9 program since 1976. K9s live with their partner’s family and typically work the night shift.

“It’s very clear Mattis is driven to excel in his new role,” Finnvik said. “We’re excited to put his skills to use throughout the community.”

This press release was produced by the City of Minnetonka. The views expressed here are the author’s own.