Dallas County commissioners reviewing need for drug-sniffing dogs

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Dallas County commissioners are contemplating whether or not the sheriff's canine patrol is worth the money and trouble.

Commissioners canceled the canine unit in 2002 because it didn't produce enough drug busts. Then the sheriff's department spent $173,000, which they got from federal drug forfeiture money, to set up a unit with two deputies and two German shepherds. But commissioners Allen Clemson, John Wiley Price, and Kenneth Mayfield are jumpy about a $157,000 lawsuit filed in June by canine officer Matthew Rollins, who wants overtime for having taken care of police dog Zeus. Rollins' canine unit was cut and he eventually bought the dog for $1 and still uses it occasionally on duty, which is also questionable as far as liability goes.

Posted by T.G.