Developing Horizons Magazine (2).pdf April 2014 | Page 12

K-9 Partners Against Drug Abuse By Irma Flanagan EVERY WOMAN NEEDS RETAIL THERAPY Sarge, the narcotics dog, mostly wanted a toy to chew and clutch in his paws. To get it though, he had to find the marijuana Brandon Barrett, the canine handler for the Towns County Sheriff ’s Department, had hidden in the library for a show and tell to Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers Sorority members. Deputy Barrett has trained the thirteen month old German Shepherd, Sarge, to detect narcotics and other illicit drugs. The dog has a 99% accuracy rate meaning that 99% of the time when he hits upon a spot, drugs are actually found. Sarge is a passive alert dog; that is, he doesn’t attack when he finds a drug on someone. He merely goes to where it is and sits down. Regulations demand that he spend eight hours per week in training. Because a dog has about twenty-five times more smell receptors than humans and not only can smell amazingly minute amounts of a material but also disBrandon Barret, Towns County K-9 tinguish among varied substances, he can separate narcotic odors from oil, officer with his dog, Sarge perfumes or plastics. This ability inhibits a user’s ability to hide his stash. Sarge and others like him are trained to search buildings, cars and trucks, aircraft and people. They are often used to search lockers, clothing, purses, and brief cases. Dogs have the ability to detect anything from drugs to mobile phones to cancer to termites. Dual responsibilities sometimes include finding narcotics and protecting officers. Some dogs are trained to track human scent in both urban and rural areas, skills which are helpful in finding missing children and adults. Though dogs were not used by police departments in the United States until the 1969, bloodhounds were used in Europe in the 1700’s. During World War I, some European countries began using dogs for specific purposes and the practice continued through World War II and beyond. Different breeds may be considered appropriate for this occupation, but Labrador or golden retrievers and German shepherds are often used. They may cost from $2500 to $40,000, depending on their training and potential. HUGHES ACCOUNTING ________________________ 4482 Town Creek School Road Blairsville, Georgia 30512 Michelle Hughes, EA Enrolled Agent [email protected] Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] Main Street East, Ste 3 Young Harris, GA 30582 12 [phone] FAX: [phone]