MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — They say a dog is a man’s best friend. For law enforcement, these friends can lend a helping hand in times when every second counts.
In an event hosted by the Alabama Department of Corrections, K-9 teams from Alabama, Florida and Georgia compete to detect hidden substances like marijuana and heroin.
The K-9 competition will take place Oct. 8-9 at Children’s Harbor in Eclectic. Participating dogs will compete in three rounds: searching for vehicles, a building and an open area.
Jax is a five-year-old German Shepherd who has a nose for narcotics. He and his handler, Captain Quintin Jones, serve in the ADOC.
“They’re family,” Captain Jones said. “That’s why we’re so attached to these K-9s. And just using them every day, sometimes it’s like a gift from God to just watch these dogs play.”
That performance, Jones said, comes with daily discipline on the job. This means being able to search prisons, houses and even track down criminals.
“They’re not your pets, because you can’t treat them like your pet,” he said. “You treat them like your partner. So no, we don’t give them treats and take them for dog walks. No, we exercise with them, we train with them and we put them back so they can rest.”
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ADOC Commissioner John Hamm said the competition is a good way for law enforcement to share their skills. This includes training tactics for K-9s.
“Basically having camaraderie, learning from each other and having good, healthy competition to see who is the best,” he said.
“When you’re a K-9 handler and you actually have that K-9 with you, and it’s your partner, and it’s focused and well-trained, it’s invaluable, Hamm added. “You know you have someone there who can help you, assist you and support you.”
The winners of the competition will win a plaque and of course an honor for their team. The rivalry continues tomorrow with other stalking simulations, such as finding a missing child.
