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DCP adds K-9's to the force

By Len Kiese - bio | email

August 26, 2008 

DOUGHERTY COUNTY, GA (WALB) - History has been made within the Dougherty County Police Department. It's a change that adds more bite to the way officers fight crime. For the first time, DCP has a K-9 unit. Two K-9's recently joined the force and they're already getting suspects off the streets.

Under lock and key for some parts of the day is a furry guy with a different kind of name. "This is Domé," said Sgt. Lee Reynolds with Dougherty County Police.

Domé is even from a different country, the Czech Republic.  But for the past two months the 2-year-old German Shepherd has made a difference as he trains here in Georgia. "The dogs are trained in obedience, agility, apprehension," said Reynolds.

Reynolds and Domé make up a new team that is hitting the streets of Dougherty County. On Monday night, they ended up on Radium Springs Road. "I saw a vehicle that was stopped in the road, saw four young men walking up to the vehicle," said Reynolds.

The four suspects would not stop for Sgt. Reynolds.  One ran away but three of them stopped for Domé. "I opened the door and took the dog out and three of them froze and stood right there with me," said Reynolds.

It turns out the vehicle was stolen from South Georgia Auto Auction and three juveniles were taken into custody. "If I had not had the dog with me or another officer, the other three would have most likely ran," said Reynolds.

That's a prime example of the effectiveness of having K-9's, not just for suspects but searches. The dogs will be able to help find everything from missing people to evidence. "If we have a situation where someone throws a gun down, I can take out and run a grid with him and he'll find that gun," said Reynolds.

"It's a visual tool," said Chief Don Cheek with Dougherty County Police.

Domé is one of two new K-9's on the Dougherty County Police force. Sgt. Reynolds only sees them continuing to make a difference. "Very effective tool for us to have and we are very fortunate and proud to have them as members of our department," said Reynolds.

There's also another important benefit. "These dogs are a part of our families," said Reynolds. So get used to seeing them around the county.

The other new K-9 is Goliath. All local law enforcement will be able to use the dogs at their request.

The new additions cost about $20,000.   Everything from the dogs to the kennels they're kept in were all paid for with donations from local citizens and business owners. 

To help out, you can call DCP at 229-430-6600.    

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