New OSP member has a real ‘nose’ for her job
Oregon State Police recently welcomed a new four-legged member to the Department when “Sadie” and her handler completed training, joining eight other drug detection canines working around the state to assist OSP and other police agencies investigating drug crimes.
“Sadie,” an 18-month old female red Labrador, and her assigned OSP trooper handler will be working out of an OSP office stationed along Interstate 84.
To maximize their effectiveness, OSP drug detection canines are placed with their specially trained troopers at strategically selected OSP office locations, available to help locally and around the state as needed.
“Our drug detection canines have proven to be important partners for our department and other public safety agencies both on and off the road. They play an important role in finding illegal drugs and related evidence on our highways and in local communities,” said Sgt. David Beck, OSP Drug Detection Canine program coordinator, who has worked with dogs for over 21 years.
Prior to the addition of “Sadie”, OSP had 9 trained dogs after the addition of two canines in 2012. “Quincey,” one of OSP’s drug detection canines is retiring at the same time “Sadie” finishes her training.
During 2011 and 2012, OSP’s drug detection canines and their handlers were involved in law enforcement contacts resulting in the seizure of:
* Over 800 pounds of marijuana
* 123 pounds of methamphetamine
* 113 pounds of cocaine
* Approximately 90 pounds of heroin
* 12 pounds of Psilocybin mushrooms
* Other evidence and illegal proceeds related to drug crimes
Beck said the dog’s training includes an intensive two-week OSP drug detection handler course and certification process designed to detect odors from controlled substances.
The majority of searches involving OSP drug detection canines occur along the highway during vehicle stops, when couriers try to conceal drugs and other evidence to avoid discovery.
“The dogs are an invaluable resource when searching vehicles, buildings, storage facilities, luggage and other environments because the dog’s keen sense of smell is far superior to that of any person,” said Beck.
You can see pictures of OSP’s drug detection canines on our website at:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/PATROL/Pages/canine_program.aspx
