The Franklin Police Department is stepping up its game in the war on drugs with a new four-legged officer, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever named Koby. At just one year old, Koby joins the force as the department's first narcotics detection canine since 2017. Trained to sniff out drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, Koby's acute olfactory skills are the latest tool added to the department’s arsenal against illegal narcotics trafficking.
In a statement released by the Franklin Police, Chief Deb Faulkner asserted Koby's importance, saying, "From time to time, our officers encounter individuals who appear to be involved in drug sales or may be impaired in some way and are transporting illegal narcotics." Noteworthy to mention, Franklin Police Department secured Koby through the efforts of W. Dean Hunter and the training acquired at Canine Command LLC in Gallatin, as reported by WSMV.
Partnered with Officer Connor Jones, a seven-year veteran of the force, Koby is expected to significantly cut down the waiting times previously incurred when external K-9 units were needed. Officer Jones expressed his enthusiasm about Koby's addition to the team, noting to WKRN, "With Koby on the force, we will no longer have to wait for another agency with a K-9 unit to assist us." Koby and Jones have both been certified through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA), marking the beginning of their patrol duties in earnest come Tuesday.
Community reception to Koby's role in Franklin is mixed, with some seeing him as a furry beacon of hope in the ongoing struggle against the scourge of drugs, while others question the prioritization of drug enforcement during a nation-wide conversation about the criminal justice system and its dealing with substance abuse. Highlighting the canine's capability, Chief Faulkner told FOX17, "We believe having this resource will be a tremendous asset to our law enforcement mission." Ready to tackle his role, Koby's nose is surely set to become an indispensable asset to the Franklin PD.
