FIVE-YEAR COMMITMENT SOUGHT FOR K-9 HANDLERS

By Michael R. Moser Chronicle editor The Crossville Police Department may
be expanding by two members in the near future after members of the
Crossville City Council by acclamation granted the OK to pursue purchasing
one or two K-9 units.

"I am very interested in this, in the purchase of one or two of these K-9
dogs," said Councilman Boyd Wyatt, who asked for a status report. "I would
like to see the city move forward."

Between 2001 and 2002 drug arrests have increased 120 percent in
Crossville. In 2003 drug arrests have already more than doubled. Over 90
percent of the drug arrests were the result of routine traffic stops.

Police Chief David Beaty told council his only reservations centered around
the long-term commitment required of officers who would be dog handlers.
City police are looking at purchasing passive, drug-detection dogs as
opposed to tracking or guard dogs.

"It would take a full commitment. It is basically a 24/7 commitment, like
adopting a child," said Beaty. "I would like to see a way to recoup some of
the training costs should an officer change his or her mind."

Police have identified a trainer in North Carolina and two officers
presently on the force have expressed interest in being K-9 officers.

Initial costs are placed at $17,000 and include purchase of the two dogs,
training for the handlers plus lodging during the two-week training period.
Also needed will be handling equipment, 10 x 10 x 6 chain link dog pens and
concrete pads and shelter for the animals.

It would cost an estimated $2,500 to retrain a dog with a new handler and
that is why Beaty wants to have the officers involved sign a five-year
contract. If circumstances change, the city can recoup some of the training
costs.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has ruled that a canine sweep around a vehicle
does not qualify as a search. The drug dog sweep takes seconds "and is a
minimal intrusion on a suspect's rights," a report to the commission read.

With proper training and handling there is a 95 percent accurate indicator
rate, the report said.

Beaty said purchase of the dogs would be "good public relations and also
reflect to the citizens the commitment of the police department and the
city as a whole in the stance to rid the community of illicit drugs."

In an unrelated matter, council took the following action on taxicab permit
requests:

*APPROVED licensing for a new service, Cumberland County Cab, owned and
operated by Glenda Conner of Oakcrest Lane. This is a new service.

*APPROVED a cab driving permit for Sandra J. Thomas, Flynn's Cove Rd.,
driving for Checker Cab.

*APPROVED a cab driving permit for Billy R. Hill of Page Rd., Clarkrange,
driving for Cumberland County Cab.