Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

K9 Officer arrives, ready to work in Prescott

The Prescott Police Department has a new officer on the job and local law enforcement is apparently pleased to have her here. She doesn't yet have a public name, and she'll be referred as K-9 Officer 309 until the naming process is complete.

This officer is a 2-year-old German Shepherd who'll be handled by K-9 Officer John Pettit. Pettit said the dog has a name, but that name is

being held in confidence because the name is meant to be used only by the

handler. A public name for the animal has yet to be decided.

Pettit said he first met this dog on Sept. 4, and admitted they were instantly drawn to each other. The K-9 was purchased from a company in Florence, Texas, that recruits and

trains police dogs for a variety of purposes.

The process began several months ago when PPD Police Chief Brian Russell told the Prescott City Council that his department was working to gather the funds to procure a K-9. That process was completed after several area businesses and individuals agreed that a K-9 would be a benefit for local law enforcement and provided donations to cover the cost of the animal - $4,000, according to Pettit. He said he and Russell want to thank those who made it happen so quickly.

K-9 officers - both dog and handler - are subject to be called out at any time. In addition, Pettit is the sole caregiver and handler for the dog. He admits that it's a huge responsibility, and one that he spent some time thinking about.

"When I decided I'd take the K-9, I thought really hard about it," he said. "I just made up my mind that I'd do it."

K-9 Officer 309 lives with Pettit, though not at a pet, making the care

giving process a 24-hour-a-day responsibility.

Pettit has just returned to Prescott following an intensive training session for K-9 officers and their handlers. He said the process included rolling out of bed early to care for the animal before spending the day in various training exercises.

This particular dog was a stray being held in an animal shelter destined for death, Pettit said. He said the animals selected for the K-9 training program were chosen for their outward signs of intelligence - and this dog has plenty of that.

The dogs are trained to a great degree, though different animals have different specialties. Just as is the case with human officers, K-9s can be given additional training to enhance their working ability. In this

case, the dog had been taught to detect specific drugs. This dog has been taught to sniff out narcotics, including methamphetamines, herione, marijuana and crack cocaine. Pettit said K-9s can be taught to find additional drugs as well and said hell be working with this animal as new drugs become problems in the area.

K-9 309 has also received her tracking certification. Pettit said those skills could be used for finding people in a variety of situations, including missing children or adults, victims of crime or criminals who have escaped or evaded law enforcement.

The bond between the two officers is evident. Pettit and 309 do have some time for fun. Pettit said he's had the dog to a local park for an

impromptu game of ball and said there's occasionally a quick round of

wrestling.

But when it's time to work, this officer is all business. Pettit said the

moment he heads to the car, the K-9 is ready to go. She's ever alert to her surroundings and constantly curious about the people and happenings around her.

Pettit said he believes this to be a positive step for the department. He

talked about the criminal element and their increasingly-clever ways to

conceal drugs.

"She can find the narcotics that we can't," Pettit said. He said the dog

is qualified to search vehicles as well as buildings and outdoor areas.

Most of all, he said he believes the dog will be a deterrent for those who might otherwise try to make drug deals in Prescott.

Russell said he's going to call on local children to name the K-9 officer.