A new officer has joined the ranks of the Seminole Police Department, but it’s going to be a while before she’s ready to help fight crime.

Raven, an 18-month-old female Dutch Shepherd, arrived at police headquarters this week and began training for her new role as a K-9 Officer. Raven’s handler is Officer Billy Messner, who needs to learn a foreign language - at least a few words – to communicate with her.

“Raven’s commands will be given to her in Czechoslovakian,” Police Chief Jon Withers said. “Obedience will be taught for the next two months. Officer Messner just started K-9 handler training Tuesday, and he needs about 200 hours. So, it will be about two months before the dog is used.”

In the meantime, Raven will be riding along with Messner so the two can get acquainted. Once fully trained, Raven can be used to detect narcotics, track crime suspects and even help find missing persons.

“Raven will be muzzled in no-bite situations, such as helping locate a person with Alzheimer’s or a child with autism who has wandered away from home,” Withers said.

“Raven will also help with handler protection,” Withers said. “Let’s say Officer Messner is out and someone starts fighting him. If he pops the door open and a dog comes out, it helps.”

Raven was purchased for $8,000, which will be funded through impound fees. The purchase was approved by the Seminole City Council in April.

According to Withers, several local businesses have made donations to help defray Raven’s expenses. The Seminole Veterinary Hospital provided the necessary shots, Tractor Supply is donating dog food and Security State Bank is providing funds for a bullet-proof vest for Raven. In addition, the Seminole Arts Council has agreed to purchase a GPS-equipped dog collar for Raven to wear.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Dutch Shepherd is a lively, athletic, alert and intelligent breed, and has retained its herding instinct for which it was originally developed.