DECATUR POLICE HOPE TO BUY DOG FOR DRUG DETECTION

Decatur police hope to purchase a drug dog to assist officers in removing
narcotics from the city.

The department has used dogs from the Morgan County Sheriff's Department,
as well as from the Hartselle and Huntsville police departments, since
retiring its previous dog, Sam, almost two years ago. Police Chief Joel
Gilliam presented the City Council with the cost and needs associated with
a drug dog during a work session Wednesday. The council will review the matter.

Cost for the dog program could total up to $36,000, including equipment, a
Chevrolet Tahoe and training for both the dog and its handler, Gilliam said.

The department might secure possession of a Chevrolet Tahoe recently seized
in a drug bust, he said, cutting the cost by more than half.

The dog program would eventually pay for itself through cash, drugs and
possessions seized during drug busts, Gilliam said.

The council agreed.

"Payback, for me, is that we got whatever is out there off the streets,"
council President Pat Woller said.