The Bluffton Police Department first began maintaining a K-9 unit in the fall of 1990 with Officer Jim Mettler and Schultz. In 1992 Robert Morgan and Prince, another German shepherd, were added to the program. Prince retired and was replaced by Reno, a Belgian Malinois. Officer Morgan retired in 2010, as did Reno.

Officer Greg Steele became the Bluffton Police Departments newest K-9 handler with his German shepherd, Deimos.

Bluffton Police Department K-9’s are certified through the North American Police Work-Dog Association. Training as a utility K-9 allows them to

• Search buildings for unwanted person
• Track lost children, adults or criminals
• Search areas for evidence related to crimes or hidden people
• Help apprehend fleeing criminals