| APD K-9 Patrol Newsletter |
| March 2005 |
| Volume 2, Number 3 |
| Volunteer Updates |
| Thank you to Rose Kaminski and, in particular, William Dye for their hide work assistance in February, which helped the officers and the dogs prepare for their annual certifications one last time before the testing. William was quite a trooper crawling in and out of a very confined space for an extended period of time, sharing close quarters with desiccated cockroach parts, and coming out to help at the last minute without a single word of complaint! Unfortunately, we are suspending official work with civilian volunteers until further notice. We have greatly enjoyed and appreciated those individuals who have helped K-9 Patrol, but can no longer offer this program at this time. We will continue to share information on K-9 Patrol by this newsletter to any interested individuals and will offer opportunities for you to come out and see us work from time to time. The newsletter’s name change reflects this new policy. If anyone has any questions or concerns, they can E-mail Officer Lahr. |
| Arrest Highlights |
| Arrests made in the month of February include: |
| Officer Mierl & Chase - Officer Mierl and Chase had a stellar month in February! In Adam sector (North), Chase found a suspect who broke into a residence. The suspect hid in some bushes, but Chase sniffed him out. In Ida sector (North Central), Chase found a suspect wanted for another burglary of residence. This suspect hid in a shed and poured gasoline around the shed to confuse the dog. I am happy to say that Chase is smarter than the suspect, who is now in jail. In Baker sector (Central), Chase found a suspect wanted for violating a family violence protective order. The suspect tried to be part of a bush, but Chase was not fooled, and found the suspect within one minute from when he started the search! Way to go Chase!!! Officer Davenport & Ammo - Officer Davenport and Ammo were called to Ida sector to find a suspect wanted for an attack with an axe. The suspect was found in a wooded area without further violence. Officer Lahr & Draco and Officer Mierl & Chase - Both dogs assisted in a high-risk traffic stop where there were five suspects inside the vehicle who were wanted for auto theft. |
| Community |
| Marisela Ramirez recently graduated from the Citizen’s Police Academy and the 2nd K-9 Information Class in 2004. She was just chosen by Rotary International for a group exchange to Mexico where she will help compile information on crime and violence in communities and learn about local organizations and individuals who work to combat these issues. Marisela felt that APD’s K-9 Information Class was an excellent way to reach out to the Austin community and wanted to share that experience with the police in Mexico. We will provided her with brochures updated from the K-9 Crime Fighters’ design, which are handed out at their fund raising information booths, and an offer to share additional information with the Rotarians and the exchange group from Mexico. The “Name That Dog” Contest kicked off in February for Austin-area 5th graders. We are very much looking forward to seeing what dog names will be submitted. The contest deadline is March 23rd and the winner will be selected on March 30th by a panel of judges consisting of K-9 Patrol officers with the final selection to be made by Chief Knee. Visit www.k9crimefighters.com and click on “Name That Dog” Contest for updates. |
| Upcoming |
| “Name That Dog” Contest in February/March 2005 with award ceremony in April 2005. Officer Eveleth’s Police K-9 Selection in March/April 2005. |
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| APD K-9 PATROL INFORMATION CONTACT: Officer DJ Lahr darrin.lahr@ci.austin.tx.us EDITOR: Rose Kaminski rose@k9crimefighters.com WE’RE ON THE WEB! For more information: www.k9crimefighters.com |
| Last updated 12/22/2005 |
| Supreme Court Validates Drug K9s The U.S. Supreme Court recently vacated a decision by the Illinois Supreme Court that had overturned the conviction of Ray Cabelles on narcotics possession. He was stopped for speeding and a K-9 drug detection officer walked his dog around the vehicle while a warning was being written. The dog indicated on the trunk of the car where the officers found marijuana and arrested Cabelles on narcotics charges. The Illinois Supreme Court said that Cabelles’ right to privacy was invaded because there was no reason to suspect anything illegal in the car. However, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that drug-sniffing dogs rely on the scent of drugs alone and thereby do not indicate probable cause unless contraband is present. Cabelles is sentenced to 12 years in prison and a fine of $256,136. |
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| K-9 Patrol Unit News |
| Sgt. Fitzgerald has just taken on the additional task of overseeing Search-and-Rescue, which was formerly run by Officer Minton and who has recently retired with his dog Austin. With over 70 volunteers and 3 dogs, Sgt. Fitzgerald is going to be very busy with this program in addition to his duties as supervisor of APD’s K-9 Patrol. |