MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township's Police Department has two K-9 service dogs.

Neither of the dogs have a protective vest to wear while out on the job. This may concern some animal lovers, but K-9 Officer Erin Linn explained why the Police Department doesn't feel they're necessary.

"So if he were a tactical dog or on a S.W.A.T team or something like that, it would definitely be worth while, but for our use in Meridian Township it's something we don't feel is worth the cost," said Linn.

Linn also mentioned the vest are heavy and don't protect the dog's chest, which is where they tend to get shot.

Still, Meridian Township's Police Department has taken many precautions to make sure the dog stay safe.

The police car plays a big role in the dog's safety.

Linn described the "hot dog" method;

"There's actually a thermostat in the car and if it gets too hot in the car a fan will automatically turn on, all the windows will roll down and a horn starts honking. That will alert the handler if we're not in the car that it's too hot and that our dog could be in danger. So That's something that is a great investment for protecting our device dogs. Unfortunately, more service dogs die every year from heat related injuries than from trauma."

The car's backseat is actually a full aluminum kennel just for the dog. It contains no sharp edges so in case of an accident the dog isn't harmed.

If Uby for some reason gets trapped in the car, he can still escape through an escape hatch between the two front seat.

Linn also has a remote to open the door and let Uby out of the car if she's danger.

Office Linn and Uby have been working together for two years.