K-9 Officers

Explosive Detector Dog

Since the tragedy of 9/11 and the increased awareness of terrorism in this country, police have changed tactics and looked for various ways to assist in combating terrorists. The explosive detection dog is one of these tools. These dogs are taught to search areas, buildings and vehicles for the presence of many explosive odors. Some of these odors include black powder, dynamite and C-4. The dogs are able to locate many other explosives and chemicals used to manufacture explosive devices.

Because the dogs are searching for things that blow up, each explosive dog is a passive alert dog.  In this case, the dog will get it’s nose as close as possible to the source of the scent and then sit. The advantage of this response is that the dog will most likely not damage anything and, in certain circumstances, may be used to search people.

 

 

Narcotic Detection Dog

Dogs that are used for locating narcotics are called narcotic detection or drug dogs. These dogs are trained to find the scent of marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Dogs that make good drug dogs have a high play or ball drive.

Our dogs are trained when they find the odor of one of these substances they will give a passive or sit response. In this case, the dog will get it’s nose as close as possible to the source of the odor and then sit. The advantage of this response is that the dog will most likely not damage anything and, in certain circumstances, may be used to search people.

The dogs are trained to search buildings, vehicles, open areas, luggage and packages.  A drug dog’s alert in itself may be considered enough probable cause for a search warrant to be obtained.

Officer Gallimore and his partner, Samo, greatly enhance the number of narcotic arrests in Martin by performing drug interdiction, assisting other patrol officers as well as the Criminal Investigation Division.