K-9 division has new canine

The latest addition to Coeur d’Alene Police Department is lean, dark and handsome. He has soulful brown eyes and an extraordinary nose, which is 1,000 times more useful than are those of his co-workers. At just 15 months of age, Maxx, a K-9 detective, has a full-time job beside his handler, workmate and surrogate “dad,” Detective Eric Paull of the North Idaho Regional Violent Crimes Task Force.

Maxx arrived this September after an international search. Paull needed a partner to help with his investigative drug work. A trip to Belgium uncovered Maxx, who has all the ingredients for a drug-detecting canine, including excellent health, an even temperament, and an obsession with playtime. He comes from a 100-year-long breeding line of German shepherd police dogs that work worldwide. At 70 pounds, Maxx is smaller in stature than American shepherds, which makes him less prone to injuries. The cost to taxpayers for this highly-regarded canine was a bargain: Not one red cent.

Maxx was purchased thanks to the drug dealers that he will help to capture. His $11,000 fee included travel, microchipping, canine car cage and four months of training. It was funded by cash and cars seized after local drug arrests.

Federal and state laws say that seizure money can be used only on drug enforcement efforts. It was not difficult for Paull to convince his department that Maxx would be a good investment. They already have Justice, a five-year K-9 veteran and and three more dogs work for Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department. Paull borrowed them occasionally to search for drugs, but they were often busy.

“We were having a hard time getting K-9s when we needed them,” Paull said.

Paull always wanted to be a dog handler, so he partnered with chief Keith Hutcheson from Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police, who is an experienced K-9 trainer and evaluator. Hutchenson donated hours of time to ensure that Maxx would detect drugs accurately.

Mistakes could spoil the legal privileges of K-9 teams. Even if Paull has strong suspicions during traffic stops, that’s not enough reason to search a car for narcotics. Maxx’s sense of smell grants him benefits. If Maxx signals that drugs are present, that’s considered probable cause to begin a search.

“He’s able to get us into the cars,” Paull said. “It allows us to get in and get to the drugs.”

Maxx also speeds up the process of searching known drug houses. He alerts to where drugs are hidden with a knowing sit, stand or stare. Because of his strict training, he’ll pass over a steak for the meth hidden beneath it, Paull said.

“A dog doesn’t lie,” Paull said. “It doesn’t think like me and you. You can tell almost immediately if he’s on to something.”

Maxx has already found about 25 drug stashes and Paull can finish a search with confidence that no drugs have been left behind.

“My goal is to take all the illegal substances out of this house so it can’t be distributed,” Paull said.

After successfully rooting out drugs, Maxx receives his most cherished possession – his toy. Paull favors indestructible toys made from fire hose material, but Maxx isn’t choosy. He’ll play with a copper pipe just as happily. Handling a K-9 is a 24-hour-per-day job, and Maxx can’t be subjected to anything that might interfere with his training. Human food, doggy treats, stuffed squeaky toys and children’s kisses are disallowed. Paull must ensure that play is the top priority for Maxx so he’s highly motivated to find drugs and receive his reward.

“His whole life revolves around his toy,” Paull said.

Maxx requires eight hours per week of training time and passed his initial testing with 100 percent accuracy. That involved more than 220 discoveries of hidden marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. The pair will recertify every 15 months and if all goes well, Maxx will serve his community for seven more years.

“He works the full 10 hour days that I do,” Paull said. “The only thing he asks is that I feed him twice a day.”

Although it’s a working relationship, Paull can’t deny the bond that’s developed. Maxx rides along in the car and listens to Paull talk about his day.

“He’s my pal,” Paull said. “He’s like a pet, but I can’t do the normal pet things with him. He’s a tool and an expensive tool.”

Paull’s added duty is keeping Maxx safe. He’s at great risk for an overdose, due to his eager inhalation while seeking drugs. Paull received medical training so he can handle such emergencies. In exchange for the extra responsibility, Paull receives something that he needed after almost 10 years on the police force. The element of fun returned to his workday.

“It’s completely rejuvenating,” he said. “It’s a new experience and a new challenge.”

Paull spends hours at home, making sure Maxx has exercise and attention. He meets with local handlers for training tips and joins in with their competitive spirit.

“You want your dog to shine,” Paull said.

As for Maxx, don’t feel sorry for his 40-hour work week and his lack of doggy treats.

“It’s a game to him,” Paull said. “It’s pure fun.”