Cape Girardeau Police Department introduces new gun-detecting K-9

At a city council meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, Cape Girardeau officials approved $571,000 in funding for new police technology, which includes the addition of a specialized gun-detecting K-9.

This seeks to enhance safety in the area, including around the Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) campus. While the SEMO Police Department operates separately from the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the two agencies often collaborate, especially in cases where crime affects both jurisdictions.

With recent gun-related incidents near campus, the addition of this K-9 is a timely step for SEMO students and the community as a whole.

This funding is part of a broader push to modernize the police department’s resources and strengthen its ability to prevent and respond to public safety threats, particularly in crowded public spaces.

Newly appointed Chief of Cape Girardeau Police Department Adam Glueck spoke about the department’s latest addition, noting that the K-9 will play a key role in identifying weapons at large events.

“We acquired the dog back in the summer, and it’s already wrapped up its training,” Glueck said. “We’re excited that we can have her in a crowd of people, without having to worry about bites. If she indicates that somebody is carrying a gun, she can alert the officer, and they can take appropriate action.”

Ella, a German wirehaired pointer, has been specifically trained to detect firearms. Unlike traditional police K-9s, which are typically used for apprehending suspects or searching for drugs, Ella is focused on alerting officers to weapons in public spaces, vehicles, and even school lockers—giving the department more ways to prevent gun violence.

“The other dogs weren’t trained on how to find firearms,” Glueck said. “So if we’re searching a car, a house, or an area where we’ve had shots fired, Ella’s training gives us more capabilities to locate that evidence we need—so brand new for Cape Girardeau, and we’re pretty excited about it.”

While gun-detection dogs are already in use in other parts of the country, Ella’s addition is a first for the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

This new K-9 is part of a larger effort to upgrade the department's technology and equipment.

The recent funding approval from the city council also includes replacing outdated body cameras and patrol unit tablets. The funds will cover the cost of 64 new laptops, which will replace older tablets, as well as updated body camera equipment to ensure officers have access to the latest tools for their work.

Glueck emphasized how crucial these upgrades are, saying that technology in law enforcement has advanced dramatically over the years. With the new gun-detecting K-9 and other technological improvements, the Cape Girardeau Police Department is positioning itself to better serve the community, enhance safety and ensure officers have the tools they need to respond to evolving challenges.

The new equipment, including Ella the K-9, is set to be fully operational soon as the department continues investing in new solutions for crime prevention and public safety.

This enhanced focus on public safety comes at a critical time for the SEMO community, which has experienced multiple shootings around campus within the last 6 months.

On May 19, the Cape Girardeau community was shaken when shots were fired during Cape Girardeau High School’s graduation ceremony at the Show Me Center. The incident disrupted what should have been a celebratory occasion.

Months later, on Sept. 11, the Village on the Green apartments near SEMO’s campus became the site of another shooting. This incident occurred adjacent to the Show Me Center, raising alarms for students and residents alike as gun violence struck close to home.

Most recently, on Nov. 15, shots were once again reported at the Village on the Green apartments. While no injuries were reported, the repeated gunfire near campus has shown the need for enhanced safety measures and preventative action.

For SEMO students, the addition of Ella and the department’s upgraded tools could bring a renewed sense of security. With recent shootings near campus still fresh on their minds, knowing that police have specialized resources like a gun-detecting K-9 and updated technology may provide reassurance moving forward.