Pubdate: Tue, 31 July 2001
Source: Herald, The (SC)
Copyright: 2001 The Herald
Contact:  http://www.heraldonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/369
Author: Erica Pippins

TEGA CAY K-9 OFFICER TAKES A BITE OUT OF COUNTY'S DRUG TRADE

TEGA CAY - Law enforcement officials in Tega Cay have a new weapon in the 
war against drugs. The Tega Cay Police Department recently received a 
narcotics K-9 from the U.S. Customs Service. The department has been 
without one of the specially trained K-9s since retiring its previous dog, 
Rakker, 11/2 years ago.

The new dog, a 5-year-old German shepherd named Vince, already has an 
impressive service record, said his handler, Mac McCarley, a Tega Cay and 
York County Drug Enforcement Unit officer.

"Before Vince came to us, he was a member of the Customs Service K-9 unit 
in California," said McCarley. "He was responsible for 42 drug seizures, 
which is about the equivalent of $8 million."

Vince arrived at the department earlier this month. Since Vince came, 
McCarley and members of the drug enforcement unit have made 12 drug-related 
arrests throughout the county.

According to McCarley, who also served as the handler for Rakker, training 
for most narcotics canines begins when they are puppies. Depending on the 
personality of the dog, it can take anywhere from weeks to months before 
the they become efficient enough to detect ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana and 
other illegal substances, he said.

"If Vince detects the odor of a certain substance, he will dig and claw at 
the area and bark to alert us that he has found something," McCarley said. 
"Vince is a very hard working dog and not at all playful because his main 
focus is searching. I have to say this is the most aggressive dog I have 
seen as far as his work ethic goes."

When Vince is not on duty, he lives with McCarley and his family. Other 
perks of the job include a special bulletproof vest, complete with a K-9 
badge, an air-conditioned cage and an endless supply of food and water.

Though the care for a narcotics dog can at times be expensive, Lt. Dave 
Nelson said he is a welcome addition to their unit.

"This is one of the most impressive K-9s I have ever seen, and Mac does an 
excellent job with the dog," Nelson said. "We are lucky to have Vince as a 
member of Tega Cay police force."
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MAP posted-by: Beth