The Gautier Canine Crimefighter Committee is holding an open house Thursday to raise money to buy a dog to help fight crime in the area.

The committee, made up of about 15 community and business leaders, hopes to raise $20,000 in a month to buy a dog trained to detect drugs and apprehend criminal suspects, Police Chief Eddie Williams said.

Gautier is the only city in Jackson County that does not have a K-9 crew, Williams said.

The event will include a live demonstration of a drug dog in action.

Williams said a dual-trained dog cost about $10,000 to $12,000, and veterinary care, food and medicine cost about $1,200 annually.

There is an $800 fee to have the officer certified and a cost of $2,500 to have a police vehicle converted for a kennel and other equipment needed by the officer and dog.

The officer would be strictly for the dog, Williams said.