The Indiana County District Attorney’s Office has a new partner to fight crime: McGruff the Crime Dog.
(L to R: Sgt. Jeffrey Hoag, K-9 Axel, District Attorney Robert Manzi, McGruff the Crime Dog, PFC Michael Clawson and K-9 Scout. Photo by Geri Dubose and provided by the DA’s office)
The famed mascot for the National Crime Prevention Council made his first appearance with the District Attorney’s office at East Pike Elementary School yesterday, joining K-9 officers Axel and Scout from Indiana Borough Police Department. District Attorney Robert Manzi was able to bring McGruff to the county thanks to funding from the opioid settlement that came to Indiana County. The DA’s office plans to present drug awareness and prevention programs aimed at children throughout the county. Other topics to be covered in these programs include internet safety, stranger danger and others.
In a statement, Manzi said that research shows that prevention is more effective and much less costly than reacting after the problem occurs and “by bringing an age-appropriate program to our county youth, I am very optimistic that this investment will pay off for years to come.”
The DA’s office invites you to contact them at 724-465-3835 if you wish to schedule an appearance from McGruff for classes, sports teams, or any group activity with youth.
