Deputy Harris and K-9 Jasper
Jasper was purchased from Positive Response Canines in Tennessee and began working with Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office in 2007. Deputy Harris took over the handling of Jasper in March 2010. Deputy Harris had previous experience with working dogs. Deputy Harris served as a civilian volunteer for eight years, utilizing his yellow labrador retriever Apollo’s skills as a search and rescue canine. Apollo was certified in area search (land and water), cadaver search, tracking and trailing. Apollo retired in 2007 at 10 years of age.
Deputy Harris and Jasper have attended a two-week handler school at the kennel from which he was purchased. They have received additional training in canine handling and narcotics detection from MCTC (Midwest Counter Drug Training Center) and NTC (National Training Center).
Since they began working together, Deputy Harris and Jasper have assisted multiple agencies with narcotics arrests from marijuana to methamphetamine.
Deputy Harris and Jasper are certified annually and have obtained certifications from multiple certifying organizations over the past few years including: NPCA (National Police Canine Association), USPCA (United States Police Canine Association) and IPWDA (International Police Working Dog Association).
In 2012, Jasper and Deputy Harris placed first as an overall team at the region 21 USPCA narcotics certification and trial. Deputy Harris and Jasper were partnered with three other canines and their handlers from the Waterloo Police Department, Sgt G. Farmer and Robbie, Officer A. Bovy and Spike, and Officer S. Bose and Mitch. Jasper and Deputy Harris took third place overall in vehicle search as an individual team.
Jasper and Deputy Harris have been instrumental in community relations doing talks and demonstrations for local schools and organizations and educating the public on canines and their role in law enforcement.
Jasper retired in the fall of 2012 and is enjoying his free time with friends and family.