Canine Unit
The Jackson Police Department first implemented the use of narcotics detecting K-9 in April of 1990, when Officer Mark Smith attended 12 weeks of intensive detector dog training provided by U. S. Customs in Laredo, Texas that began in January. After the training period, Officer Smith brought his K-9 partner Boney, a 14 month old, mixed Shepherd, back to Jackson. Boney was then trained to detect Marijuana, Cocaine and Heroin.
For the next 9 years, Boney worked the streets of Jackson until his retirement in January 2000. During his career, Boney was responsible for the seizure of nearly a million dollars in cash, vehicles and narcotics.
The administration of the Jackson Police Department then felt that due to the increase in the drug trade throughout the country, and the previous successful K-9 operations, it would be advantageous to increase the detector dog program. At that time the Jackson Police Department purchased three narcotic detector dogs. One was assigned to the Metro Narcotics Unit and two assigned to patrol. All three k-9's are currently certified by the standard set forth by the United States Canine Association, (USPCA) and are trained to detect Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, and Crystal Meth. The primary responsibilities of these K-9 Teams are assisting on narcotics search warrants, traffic stops and school searches. Also, they assist local businesses in checking their premises for narcotics.
Investigator Mark Smith (20-year veteran) is assigned to Metro Narcotics and handles a two-year-old Belgian Malinois named Missy. Investigator Smith has been training and working K-9's since 1990. The K-9 team completed a six-week USPCA narcotics certification (1999) in Port Charlotte, Florida. The team recently certified in a national field trial (April 2000) in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Officer Mike Thomas (11 year veteran) is assigned to the Patrol Division and handles a two-year-old black Labrador Retriever named Bullet. The K-9 team completed an eight-week narcotic course in Huntsville, Alabama.
Officer Christopher Wiser is assigned to the Patrol division and handles a two-year-old Belgian Malinois named Nika. The K-9 team also competed an eight-week narcotic course (December 1999) in Huntsville, Alabama. Officer Wise and Nika recently completed in the Region 22 USPCA Field trials (May 2000) in Huntsville, Alabama. Nika won first place in the indoor (room) searches and second place in the overall competition. The K-9 team also has a national certification.
