New cop sniffs out illegal substances

While not on duty, Pineville Police Department's new officer, Brody, 19 months, appears to be just what he is - a puppy. He's playful and energetic, running to retrieve his favorite toy.

When Brody is working, however, it would be best not to cross him. He has the best "sniffer" in southern West Virginia, Pineville officials believe. He is also very protective of his partner, Patrolman Chris Spears and his family.

"He's got one of the best noses I've ever seen," Spears emphasized. "I'd put him up against any dog in the southern part of the state."

Brody has been trained to sniff out narcotics and illegal substances, Spears explained. During a test, the huge puppy found a single commonly prescribed painkiller, wrapped in plastic, and hid inside a gas tank.

"The dog can turn an average traffic stop into a multi-felony arrest," Chief Roger Snow emphasized.

The cost of adding Brody to the department is right at $11,000 thus far, Mayor Tim Ellison said. The town has shouldered most of the expense, with some assistance from the Wyoming County Commission.

Brody underwent six weeks of intense training. Spears participated in the final two weeks, taking Brody home with him during the final week of training.

The young officer first went on duty during Pineville's annual Autumn Fest. The dog found several stashes of illegal drugs during the festival, Ellison said.

When he finds any type of chemical substance, Brody will sit and will not be deterred, officials note.

"He is a passive indicator," Spears explained. "He is rewarded with his tennis ball; he thinks it's a game."

The dog is trained to do exterior and interior "sniffs," Spears said. He can also do open field sniffs.

During a traffic stop, the dog will sniff the exterior perimeter of the vehicle. If he indicates a hit, then the officer lets him sniff the interior. "The sniff," which officials maintain is not a search, is legal as long as the dog finds the drugs during the stop.

The young German shepherd has found single marijuana seeds inside a vehicle and even residue from narcotics inside empty bottles and plastic bags inside vehicles.

"Everything that's illegal, he can find it," Spears said.

Brody has also been trained to track, though the town has yet to need that skill, Spears noted.

As part of the police department, Brody will also wear a bulletproof vest. The penalty for harming the dog is more stringent than for harming a human officer, officials note.

Spears explained Brody's training is continuous - usually 30 to 40 minutes per day. Brody and Spears also have to be re-certified annually. Brody lives with Spears, becoming part of the family.

"You have to learn to trust your dog," Spears emphasized, "because he knows what he's doing."