STADT MARKS FIRST YEAR IN JACKSON

It has been said that Jackson got just what they were looking for when they commissioned Stadt as the city's first ever K9 unit last November.

What Jackson has in Stadt is a K9 that is tough on crime and the proper disposition to really shine at public appearances.

As of the end of September Stadt has made 19 finds and particpated in more than 50 searches. Along with his primary purpose of assisting his fellow officers in the fight against drugs in the field, Stadt also plays a very big public relations role in the fight against drugs.

"We felt early on the addition of a K9 unit would enhance our efforts in not only interdiction but also in drug education and we have not been disappointed," Jackson Police Chief Marvin Sides said.

Officer Jon Farrar is Stadt's second handler, but the two have bonded well and Stadt and Farrar work well together.

"Jackson got exactly what they wanted when they got Stadt. He likes to work and he has a great disposition around the public," Farrar said.

Since Farrar and Stadt have worked together the pair have made six finds in a short period of time.

Farrar and Stadt recently attended a state K9 convention in Kansas City and Farrar got a chance to see how Jackson measures up to the rest of the state.

"I was pleased to see that we are right up there with the best in the state," Farrar said.

Farrar and Stadt also have made several public appearances in schools with the D.A.R.E. Program.

Farrar shows the students how Stadt searches for drugs as well as showing off Stadt's training in other areas.

Mike Ervin trains Stadt weekly. Stadt and Farrar work with Ervin on building, area and article searches, trailing, tracking, handler protection, aggression control, crowd control, criminal apprehension, obedience and agility.

"I'm real happy with the way the new handler and Stadt are working together," Ervin said.

The weekly training may seem a bit much, but Ervin likens it to a professional football team's need to practice regularly to remain at peak performance.

"It's a team effort and they have to continue to practice," Ervin added.

K9 (Stadt) Narcotic Finds

Handler Shawn Davis

Date Requesting Agency Type of Search Results

12-03-96 Charleston P.D. Building Marijuana located

12-21-96 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Cocaine, Marijuana located

1-29-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle "Crack" Cocaine

2-01-97 Jackson P.D. Purse Marijuana

2-03-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Marijuana and Methamphetamine

2-14-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Cocaine, Marijuana

2-15-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Marijuana

3-16-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Marijuana

4-05-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle/Building Methamphetamine, Marijuana

4-18-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Paraphernalia

6-07-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Marijuana

6-10-97 Cape Girardeau Sheriff Dept. Vehicle Marijuana

6-13-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle/Building Marijuana (felony)

Handler- Jon Farrar

8-17-97 C.G. Sheriff Dept. Vehicle Methamphetamine, Marijuana (felony)

9-06-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Marijuana

9-09-97 Task Force Building Marijuana, Paraphernalia

9-11-97 Missouri State Highway Patrol Vehicle/Safe Paraphernalia

9-12-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Marijuana, Paraphernalia-97-0091

9-21-97 Jackson P.D. Vehicle Marijuana 97-0156