BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County law enforcement has a new gator on its side. But this critter isn’t a reptile, it’s a canine. 

Gator, a narcotics detection K-9, officially joined Boundary County Probation in late fall 2025. On Jan. 5, Boundary County commissioners approved $24,000 to fund his training and certification. 

Alisa Walker, chief probation officer with Boundary County Community Justice, said the program was created to improve monitoring and safety. 

“The decision to establish a narcotics detection K-9 program was driven by the identified need to enhance compliance monitoring, improve early detection of substance use among probationers, and strengthen both community safety and the safety of the probation team,” Walker wrote in a statement. 

While the county funding is significant, it is not the program’s only source of support. 

“The Boundary County Probation K-9 Program has already raised nearly $3,000 toward ongoing program costs and has received valuable in-kind contributions, including a donated dog crate from Impact Dog Crates and K-9 training from Katka Working Dog Training,” Walker wrote. “In addition, Boundary County Probation is actively pursuing multiple private and public grant opportunities to further support the K-9 program.” 

Walker said the $24,000 allocation will be used for training, certification and equipment. 

“The $24,000 will be allocated to essential components of the K-9 program, including the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training K-9 handler certification course for controlled substance detection, Idaho POST detection dog certification, and required training aids such as synthetic training tools and secure containers for narcotics training materials,” Walker wrote. 

Funding will also support K-9 deployment tracking tools, safety equipment, training materials for public demonstrations, and resources for community education events focused on the dangers of opioids, she said. 

The funding comes from the Opioid Settlement Fund, from which Idaho has received more than $73 million. About $25 million of that total has been distributed to local governments. 

At this moment, there is $194,000 in the fund. Each year, $25,000 is used to pay part of the salary for a school resource officer. While this will not affect that payment now, it could at a later date.

Walker said Gator will help improve compliance and safety. 

“The ability to conduct more thorough and visible compliance checks increases accountability and is likely to reduce probation violations and the risk of reoffending,” Walker wrote. “Additionally, more frequent searches at local schools and school grounds may help deter drugs on school campuses.” 

She added that K-9 offer a less invasive and more efficient method for compliance checks. 

“Instead of spending extended periods searching rooms or properties, the K-9 can quickly and effectively check for compliance, allowing officers to complete safer compliance checks,” Walker wrote. 

As part of his training, Gator will undergo 160 hours of Idaho POST-approved canine handler training. 

Currently, the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office has the county’s only other certified narcotics detection dog. 

“Boundary County encompasses 1,278 square miles and BCSO has one certified narcotics detection dog to cover the entire county,” Walker wrote. “We intend to utilize this valuable resource for our future ongoing compliance checks and in assisting the local schools on a regular basis as needed.,” 

Walker thanked the Boundary County commissioners for approving the funding. 

“The board has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring the necessary tools are available to maintain public safety,” Walker wrote. 

Officer Nate Strege will train and house Gator.

    A photo of Gator, a K-9 now working at Boundary County Probation.