MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded an $11,040 grant to provide the Pelham Police Department with a service dog trained to detect narcotics.
The canine will help police officers and Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies increase their abilities to find illegal drugs being trafficked along U.S. Highway 31 and Interstate 65. In addition to detecting drugs hidden on a suspect or in vehicles, the dog can locate concealed narcotics at a business or residence.
“Service dogs are a valuable tool in the fight against the illegal drug trade,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to help Pelham police obtain this additional resource to curb drug trafficking.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, water resources, job training and career development.
Bentley notified Pelham Mayor Don Murphy that the grant had been approved.
Contact: Russell Sellers, Larry Childers