Hancock County

COUNCIL OKS MORE DUTIES FOR DRUG-SNIFFING POLICE DOG

Fortville -- The Town Council recently approved training its Police
Department canine expert to handle the dog as both a drug search and
patrol/tracking dog. The dog initially was trained to sniff out narcotics.

Patrolwoman Marsan Brewer will need three weeks to learn to handle the dog
as a tracker. Once Brewer completes the classes, the dog will be available
for searches in both Fortville and other Hancock County areas, a point that
didn't sit well with council member Bob Hiday, who voted against the training.

Hiday expressed concerns over the dog taking part in searches in other
county towns or with Brewer going on searches while not on duty, forcing
the town to pay her overtime or comp time.

Council President Phil Scrogham also expressed concerns that the dog
wouldn't be as friendly around children if it were used as a tracking canine.

Police Chief Mike Shepherd expressed confidence that Brewer would be able
to handle the dog. The council voted to develop a plan mapping out specific
uses for the animal.