NCJ Number
193849
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2002 Pages: 23-26
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the costs and benefits of using a narcotics trained canine unit to reduce drug and drug-related crime on campus.
Abstract
To determine the additional costs incurred by a campus police department, it is necessary to consider the function of the dog. Narcotics dogs can be any breed but canines used in the physical apprehension of suspects need to be chosen for their size and stamina. As a result, a non-aggressive single purpose dog trained only to search for narcotics is used in this analysis. A number of factors influence the cost involved with obtaining a police dog. First, the type of dog. German Shepherds are extremely popular due to their intelligence. They are one of the highest priced dogs on the market. Second, the actual cost of the dog depends on the training it has received. Third, regardless of the dog’s level of training prior to sale, the handler will need to be trained with the dog. Narcotics training requires the most limited amount of training. German Shepherds were selected to represent high-end estimation for this analysis. Initial outlay costs for an agency implementing a canine program was $14,790. This initial outlay included the salary of the officer who would be attending the K9 training. Some possible benefits of a narcotics trained, non-aggressive canine team on the college campus are: increased detection of narcotics violators; potential for cash-generating seizures through forfeiture; and positive public opinion on the use of a non-aggressive dog. Comparisons before and after the installation of a canine unit at Central Michigan University showed an increase in narcotics apprehensions by over 500 percent from 8 arrests in 1998 to 42 arrests in 1999. The approximate cost over an 8 year period of $1.87 per hour to fund a canine program provides an opportunity to even the smallest college to take advantage of this law enforcement tool. References