Mechanicsburg K-9 Marc Presentation

Posted by Tom Burson on Apr 28, 2017

Sergeant Brian Curtis introduces Officer Justin Shutt and K-9 Marc.

At a special evening meeting of the club on April 26, club members and guests learned about the new officer, K-9 Marc, he joined the Mechanicsburg Police Department to work on drug detection and as a tracker. Sergeant Brian Curtis let off the program and explained why the Mechanicsburg Police Department wanted a K-9 officer. A lot had to do with the epidemic drug problem and improved efficiency of a "drug dog" in locating drugs versus a search by a human officer. The dog came from Hungary and most quality dog come from Europe because of the blood line. The department had officers apply for duty as a K-9 dog handler knowing that it was a lifetime commitment to the dog. Officer Justin was selected and went through four months training with Marc who began doing work in January.

Officer Justin talks to the club about K-9 Marc

Officer Justin Shut spent considerable time explaining how the German Sheppard dog known as K-9 Marc was acquired and trained. When he was obtained, he had been screened for suitability but not trained. Justin went through four months training with Marc at Castle’s K9 in Monroe Township. He also receives 16 hours a month in continuing training. He explained that Marc is trained to detect drugs and to track individuals as those are the greatest needs for the community. He talked about Marc and how much he likes to work...he is always ready do go first thing in the morning. Justin explained some of the training process for him and Marc. He noted that there are 10 K-9 officers in Cumberland County and that they provide mutual assistance as required.

The club members thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and thank Sergeant Curtis, Officer Shutt, and K-9 Marc for their very informative program.