Pubdate: Mon,  1 Apr 2002
Source: Benton Courier, The (AR)
Copyright: 2002 Benton Courier
Contact:  http://www.bentoncourier.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1223
Author: Carrie Turner

BRYANT ACQUIRES DOG FOR USE ON SCHOOL CAMPUS

BRYANT - The Bryant Police Department and the Bryant School District will 
be adding a new team member to combat drugs on the school campuses.

BRYANT - The Bryant Police Department and the Bryant School District will 
be adding a new team member to combat drugs on the school campuses.

Shelby, a 15-month-old Labrador Retriever, was recently purchased from the 
Little Rock K-9 academy for use in the schools.

Tony Smith, owner and trainer of the K-9, is expected to present Shelby to 
the Bryant Police Department at 5 p.m. today.

Superintendent Dr. Vickie Logan said she is excited about having the animal 
on campus.

"I think, obviously, having a K-9 dog on campus will be a deterrence 
factor," she said. "I feel that students who may be inclined, or are in the 
position to brings drugs to school will think twice about it."

Logan said the district currently has access to a narcotics dog, but there 
is a waiting period.

"This will definitely be more convenient," she said. "School resource 
officer Keith Byrd will be the person in charge of the dog. I believe that 
it will be housed at his home outside of school hours."

Logan said while she is pleased to have Shelby, she wishes there was not a 
need for the animal.

"It would be good news if we had a dog full-time on our campuses and were 
not able to put it to use," she said. "However, I do not think that will be 
the case here, but that would be nice."

Shelby will be assigned to Sgt. Keith Byrd. Byrd, a school resource 
officer, works primarily at Bryant Middle School.
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MAP posted-by: Beth