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New K9 Waldo: Jail's Secret Weapon Against Drugs
2 Jun
Summary
- A Goldendoodle named Waldo now sniffs out drugs at Iredell County Detention Center.
- Waldo has been on duty since February, trained to detect fentanyl, cocaine, and meth.
- His reward for finding contraband is a game of fetch with his favorite tennis ball.
The Iredell County Sheriff's Office has welcomed K9 Waldo, a Goldendoodle with a specialized role at the county detention center. Waldo has been on duty since February, focusing on detecting illicit substances that may be smuggled into the facility.
Deputy Andrew Hess, Waldo's handler, explained that the dog is trained to identify drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, and meth. Waldo uses his keen sense of smell to track down contraband, with a recent success including the detection of suspicious mail.
Upon successfully finding any banned substances, Waldo receives his favorite reward: a tennis ball. This positive reinforcement method keeps Waldo motivated. Beyond his detection duties, Waldo also acts as a deterrent and a morale booster for staff and inmates alike.
