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Columbiana police introduce donated drug‑detection K‑9, Maverick, training paid with settlement funds
Summary
Police chief announced a donated, nearly trained drug‑detection dog named Maverick that the department will place with a handler after completing training paid for with opiate‑settlement dollars; the dog is expected to be ready in about six weeks.
The City of Columbiana police department on Oct. 21 announced a donated drug‑detection K‑9 named Maverick.
The police chief told council the dog was donated by a trainer in the Mobile area; the city used funds from an opiate settlement to pay for the handler’s training. Maverick is described as a 1½‑year‑old golden retriever trained to detect drugs only (not for tracking or apprehension). The chief said the dog still needs a few finishing touches in training at Alabama K‑9 and that it will take about six weeks before Maverick is sworn in and officially begins duties.
The chief said the dog was free; the city’s expense was the training costs. He said the K‑9 will be assigned to a handler who will be responsible for Maverick 24/7 and that the department hopes to bring the dog into local schools for community outreach once fully operational.
Next steps: Complete final training, assign a handler, swear the dog into service and integrate K‑9 operations into department procedures.
