Narcotics dog goes to work

Bentonville police employ $9,000 sniffer

Last updated Tuesday, January 30, 2007 7:31 PM CST in News

By Richard Dean Prudenti
The Morning News

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    BENTONVILLE -- A new face sniffed around the Bentonville Police Station on Tuesday.

    Vic, a narcotics dog, showed up for his first day on the job with handler Officer Ray Shastid.

    "He's a working dog, but he likes to play," Shastid said at the Bentonville Police Station, following three weeks of training with Vic in North Little Rock.

    Shastid trained 120 hours at Von Klein Stein Working Dogs. By the end, Vic mastered about 15 German commands, and the two were certified by the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association.

    The 75-pound shepherd was born in Hungary four years ago and cost the department $9,000. Sniffing for contraband, tracking and personal protection are his main skills, but his ability to have fun is another reason Shastid says he and Vic are a team.

    "When he's not working, he's just like a normal dog," Shastid said. With two kids and a wife, Shastid said, "He has to be friendly."

    The department had been without a canine narcotics team since its drug dog, Boley, was killed by a vehicle Sept. 17.

    Boley escaped a fenced-in yard following an early morning thunderstorm while handler Officer Jim Johnson was not at his home, near East Central Avenue and Pleasant View Lane. The black and brindle dog was found at night on North Walton Boulevard.

    Boley had been with the police force three years.

    The city recently revised its police canine policy to require a handler to secure the dog when he's not home, either in the residence or in an outside kennel with a city-issued lock. The city provided at Shastid's house an outdoor kennel where Vic will stay during the day when the handler is away and off duty.

    "At night, he'll be in the house with us," Shastid said, who expects to be on-call at all times, working mostly evenings and late at night.

    Shastid first met Vic in December, and chose him as partner from three dogs at the North Little Rock kennel.

    "I've always been a 'dog person' and amazed to watch trained dogs work," Shastid said, noting why he wanted to be a canine handler.

    Lt. Mike Smith said Shastid was selected from among three Bentonville officers. Shastid has been with the police department four years.

    "(Shastid) is one of those highly motivated individuals," whose initiative in law enforcement throughout the years has prepared him for this new job, Smith said.

    Smith is glad Vic's a friendly dog.

    When necessary, he'll bite on command, but "it's nice to be able to control that," Smith said. "Wherever you are at, he'll come and lick you and think you are the greatest."

    At A Glance

    Canine Teams

    Bentonville Police Department has two canine teams, one for narcotics detection and another for locating bombs or explosives. An officer handler and his assigned police dog constitute a canine team.

    Source: Staff Report

    Reader Comments (34 comment(s))


    The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

    Jerry Hawkins wrote on Jan 30, 2007 10:08 PM:

    " Let's hope they can handle this one and not lose him. "

    End the Police State War on drugs wrote on Jan 31, 2007 8:11 AM:

    " ASK NOT WHAT YOUR GOVERNMENT CAN DO FOR YOU. ASK WHAT YOUR GOVERNMENT CAN DO TO YOU. *** "SOLVE" and "PROBLEMS" ARE NOT IN THE CONSTITUTION. The State does not seek to end drug use, The State only seeks a monopoly on Drugs,and its use. "

    The Oath of the Bentonville Police Employee wrote on Jan 31, 2007 8:17 AM:

    " Die Verteidigung der Wehrmacht auf Adolf Hitler, 2.8.1934 "Ich schwöre bei Gott diesen heiligen Eid, daß ich dem Führer des Deutschen Reiches und Volkes Adolf Hitler, dem Oberbefehlshaber der Wehrmacht, unbedingten Gehorsam leisten und als tapferer Soldat bereit sein will, jederzeit für diesen Eid mein Leben einzusetzen." "

    Legalize Drugs wrote on Jan 31, 2007 8:41 AM:

    " This is animal abuse. It is better to end the insanity of illegal drugs and just let people and DOGS be free to do what they want. "

    Jerry Hawkins wrote on Jan 31, 2007 8:54 AM:

    " To oath;some people don't understand, tell the people your analogy of the Deuchland and U.S.A. It's not that I don't agree but you must educate the masses to the facsimile fashion of jackboot thugs saving us from ourselves. "

    Nazi Germany and the american oath wrote on Jan 31, 2007 9:04 AM:

    " Die Verteidigung der Wehrmacht auf Adolf Hitler, 2.8.1934 "Ich schwöre bei Gott diesen heiligen Eid, daß ich dem Führer des Deutschen Reiches und Volkes Adolf Hitler, dem Oberbefehlshaber der Wehrmacht, unbedingten Gehorsam leisten und als tapferer Soldat bereit sein will, jederzeit für diesen Eid mein Leben einzusetzen." The Wehrmacht Oath of Loyalty to Adolf Hitler, 2 August 1934 "I swear by God this sacred oath that I shall render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, the Führer of the German Reich, supreme commander of the armed forces, and that I shall at all times be prepared, as a brave soldier, to give my life for this oath." The Oath of Every American Sailor, Soldier, Airman, Marine, Law Enforcement Officer & Public Official "I, [state your name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God." "

    Amazed at the stupidity wrote on Jan 31, 2007 9:25 AM:

    " There's only been six comments and half of you are complete idiots...Animal Abuse?? Are you kidding me?? That dog is having the time of this life. "

    This NARCO DOG will be used to violate arkansas constitution article 2,Sec.15 wrote on Jan 31, 2007 9:34 AM:

    " Sec. 15. The right of the people of this State to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue, except upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person or thing to be seized. "

    Give me a break wrote on Jan 31, 2007 9:35 AM:

    " These dogs do SO MUCH MORE than narcotics detection! And, having been personally acquainted with 3 different K9 teams (3 different handlers, and 3 different dogs), I can assure you that this is NOT any sort of animal abuse!!! "

    Amen! wrote on Jan 31, 2007 1:25 PM:

    " As the arkansas constitution article 2, Sec. 15 states.."against UNREASONABLE searches and seizures" and "except upon probable cause"....So, these dogs will be used to "violate" your rights if you violate the law:) "

    look around wrote on Jan 31, 2007 2:32 PM:

    " I see there are many persons who have such great opinions about k-9's and police officers. I think amen said it best "these dogs will be used to "violate your rights if YOU violate the law." Maybe the gentleman who hada close and personal conversation with a ten year old will move in next to you. Then things will be great. Lets all hold hands "

    disappointed wrote on Jan 31, 2007 5:39 PM:

    " as one who wore a badge in another state for 15 years and who has been both a Marine and a Soldier allow me to say this, we have been sold a bill of goods reference drugs. we have been in a so-called drug war but have lacked the will to win. reminds me of vietnam and now iraq. in my humble opinion, we need to rid ourselves of laws that make a person a criminal for ingesting something to feel good. look at the monies, the resources, the energy we spend on this issue. then look at what it does to we citizens, pitting one against the other, and for what? if their use harms a person, like DUI's do, then deal with that person. but let them use just like you do the drunk who stays home and does not drive. many will harm themselves and even die you say, who cares. i say that with that would come lower prices and then less of a need for them to break into homes and steal, etc. God bless our cops. i just wish their energies could go toward those who actually harm us, like murders, rapist, white collar criminals, etc. "

    Truth wrote on Jan 31, 2007 6:55 PM:

    " Who gave the department 9,000 to buy the dog? As long as it wasn't my money I do not care. but if that dog comes to my house snooping around without just cause wellllll so much for that dog. "

    VERY Disappointed!! wrote on Jan 31, 2007 6:59 PM:

    " This is to the above individual aka "disappointed"....Thank you for serving our country both as a cop and a soldier...HOWEVER, this fact makes me even more disappointed in what you had to say. First of all, these dogs do more than "drug bust" but if that WAS all they did who's to say these people do the drugs and stay at home?!? Of course they don't!! They go out into society and hurt innocent people. What it comes down to is WHAT IS THE LAW?? You drink and drive=you get a DUI. You possess drugs=you pay the penalty. Period. And you, a retired policeman and soldier should know this...SAD. "

    Do I own myself wrote on Feb 1, 2007 11:39 AM:

    " free, a.; {ME. free, freo; AS. freo, frio, frig, free.} 1. (a) not under the control of some other person or some arbitrary power; able to act or think without compulsion or arbitrary restriction; having liberty; independent; (b) characterized by or resulting from liberty. 2. (a) having, or existing under a government that does not impose arbitrary restrictions on the right to speak, assemble, petition, vote, etc.; having political liberty; as a free people; (b) not under control of a foreign government. 3. able to move in any direction; not held, as in chains, etc.; not kept from motion; loose. 4. not held or confined by a court, the police, etc.; acquitted. 5. not held or burdened by obligations, debts, discomforts, etc.; unhindered; unhampered. 6. not confined to the usual rules or patterns; not limited by convention or tradition...... - Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary 2nd Ed. (1983) If you cannot ingest what you want you are not free "

    BACK TO TRUTH wrote on Feb 1, 2007 12:48 PM:

    " SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO HIDE; YOUR PROBABLY ALSO THE SAME PERSON THAT CALLS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND KEEPS OFFICERS BUSY ON DOG AND CAT CALLS "

    Back to Truth wrote on Feb 1, 2007 3:25 PM:

    " I don't care how much that dog cost if the officer and the dog come snooping around like I said that dog is History!!! I work hard for what I have and who cares what I do with my property and what I do in my own home. I paid for it and I continue to have to pay for the stupid property taxes so that stupid federal government schools can dumb down your children. Why don't you pay for your own children's dumb down ed. and leave this poor old white women alone. After all I paid for my own childrens education without the help of you and others. I even volunteered for 13 yrs in the school so they could have some decency to not take from others and to help feed the poor. So there take it for what is worth and if you are the poor officer who has to answer to the dog and cat calls well all I can say is get another job. I have better things to do with my time then to make stupid calls to the animal patrol. I was told by Mayor Boen to just shoot them, rest his dear soul. I only have the heart to shoot rabbit animals. "

    another old white woman wrote on Feb 1, 2007 3:48 PM:

    " I SPANKED MY CHILDRENS REAREND FOR BEING A TATTLE TALE "

    To the wrote on Feb 1, 2007 3:49 PM:

    " Just so you know, that dog is a member of the police task force...you kill the dog, you pay. And, by the way, if you do, in fact, have nothing to hide then all this ranting you're doing is in vain. You have nothing to worry about. They won't be "snooping" around your house.So, RELAX...that blood pressure's going up as you speak. "

    Indian wrote on Feb 1, 2007 4:07 PM:

    " Lets play Cops and snitches "

    To the dah dahs wrote on Feb 1, 2007 4:32 PM:

    " I paid for the dead dog and now I am paying for this one. Unfortunately many task force and I mean FORCE have attack many innocent civilians who where just minding their own business when pulled over for so dumb traffic violation like a broken tail light. Why can't you people just leave us alone. We are not hurting you or your puppy. You have made 10 billion laws to make us all criminal slaves when in fact Jesus made us free. Get a life. You and your DOG! Find God maybe you will find peace. "

    Truth wrote on Feb 1, 2007 4:37 PM:

    " if you don't want to hear what the puplic wants then quit writing and throwing your tyranny in our faces. We know you already steal our money to buy a forceful vicious dog to turn around and maul innocent people. I am not talking about low life crack heads who want to destroy their lives, but if they do then good bye to them and the war on drugs would be over. Let them kill their ownselves and quit using the excuse to use your power on free people. "

    Jim Johnson wrote on Feb 1, 2007 5:19 PM:

    " Lets German Shepard Dog run streets unattended costs the Taxpayers of the united States mostly Arkansawyers $9000.OO "

    All about Jim and Jimm,Wendy , and George wrote on Feb 1, 2007 5:24 PM:

    " Its not Omar, Abdul, or Osama Stealing your freedom and money, Its Jim, Jimm, Wendy, and George who don't give a rats rear about your Liberties "

    Smith Said wrote on Feb 1, 2007 5:48 PM:

    " Dog will maul people on Command. Nice man,animal... "

    Police Haters wrote on Feb 1, 2007 7:28 PM:

    " To all of you putting law enforcement down you're probably in trouble or have been in trouble. What are you hiding...it's ok, the police and dog will find out soon! Their always watching... "

    Hahahahahaha.... wrote on Feb 1, 2007 7:41 PM:

    " These comments are becoming more funny, ignorant and completely ridiculous by the minute....I'm going to cut out before my IQ drops. Peace. "

    Libertarian wrote on Feb 2, 2007 7:33 AM:

    " if the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. If the only tool you have is government, every problem looks like it can be solved by a law, a policy or a program. Again, America has more of this nonsense than any other society in history. All this micromanaging has not worked and will never work. "

    Jerry Hawkins wrote on Feb 2, 2007 8:21 AM:

    " Remember years ago we thought people that economicaly enslaved people, taught citizens to tell on everyone was a communist or nazi era government. Quess what we are now? "

    Jerry Hawkins wrote on Feb 2, 2007 8:23 AM:

    " Seige heil my comrad. "

    Jerry Should Move wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:26 AM:

    " If you thinks its better in some other country you should leave. Apparently you have no loyalty to our country, have never served in our military, and do nothing but feed on the economy. I agree with HAHAHA, the IQ on these comments are dropping-OUT "

    Right on Bro Jerry wrote on Feb 2, 2007 10:48 AM:

    " "My country, right or wrong," is a thing that no patriot would think of saying. It is like saying, "My mother, drunk or sober." -- G.K. Chesterton "

    The State of the state is BAD wrote on Feb 2, 2007 11:24 AM:

    " Why does corruption in government always surprise us? Why do we expect anything else from it? Government is organized force. It takes our wealth and makes war. And we think honest men would do that work? Well, honest men have sincerely tried, but look at the results and ask yourself whether honesty has any inherent tendency to prevail in politics. War, taxation, waste, debt, inflation, hatred, hypocrisy, cynicism, social disorder. And also — amazingly enough! — corruption. As I often say, expecting government to produce good results is like expecting a tiger to pull a plow. After the twentieth century, in which the world’s governments killed hundreds of millions of their own subjects, everyone ought to talk about the state the way Jews talk about Hitler. "

    tas wrote on Feb 8, 2007 3:59 PM:

    " I was thinking about moving to Northwest Arkansas but based on the above comments, I have changed my mind. "


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