Sniffing dogsInmates help train bomb-sniffing dogs

Published 5 December 2011

In an interesting turn of events, prison inmates are being used in a pilot program designed to train future law enforcement officers; inmates at the Panama City- Bay County jail will help train two future bomb-sniffing dogs

 

In an interesting turn of events, prison inmates are being used in a pilot program designed to train future law enforcement officers.

Inmates at the Panama City- Bay County jail will help train two future bomb-sniffing dogs.

The two Labradors, named Pancho and Peyton, are still puppies so they require a lot of attention.

Dakota Catt, one of three inmates chosen to participate in the program, said, “It’s a 24/7 job. They live beside our bunks. We live with them every single day. They’re in here with us.”

Prison officials said the three individuals were chosen due to their limited criminal record and the fact that they did not have a violent history.

They’re inmates that are really considered trustees and somebody who can be trusted to handle a dog that is very valuable,” said Warden Rick Anglin.

Every day the inmates train the Labrador puppies in an outdoor play area.

They could be working to look for drugs or explosives,” said Sharon Gavin the K-9 Program Director.

The program is funded by Auburn University which will eventually take custody of the pups after a year for more specialized training in bomb and drug detection.

Joseph Leberte, another of the three chosen to help raise the dogs, said he was grateful for the opportunity.

 “I really appreciate the chance that they’ve given me to do this so it’s just really rewarding and I appreciate it,” said inmate Joseph Leberte.

Prison officials hope the program will continue and they will have the chance to raise more dogs.