Three APD Police Canine Handler/Dog teams attended the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association Seminar and Competition held in Vicksburg, Mississippi last week. There were 89 dogs competing. The competition, held 5-4-12, consists of a 3-minute timed event in which the dogs and handlers attempt to locate as many narcotics “hides” as possible. The contraband is hidden in various containers, including a trailer, in a room about the size of a basketball court. Ofc. Kaleb McCarrell and his dog Max won 9th place over all. Cpl. Cody Lavery and his dog Chuky won 1st place. Cpl. Lavery and his dog were also given the “Bark Bandit” award for the best dog over five years of age. In addition, the two officers and their dogs won the team competition. Ofc. Bob West and his dog Hero, along with Lavery and McCarrell, recertified to NNDDA Narcotics Detector Dog standards. The standards confirm each dog/handler team's ability to locate narcotics and not falsely alert on other scents used to mask odors or distract the dog when narcotics are not present.
