ADDU Says Drug Dogs Have A Significant Impact On The Work The Drug Unit Does.

ALBANY — Coco and Ross are two of Albany Dougherty Drug Unit's hardest working agents. Not only are they reliable, team oriented, and dedicated, they both have a nose for drugs not to mention four paws and shiny coat. Victor Camp and Shirley Adams know the importance of their hairy partners, Coco and Ross, and the sometimes unbelievable work they do for the drug unit. Camp, whose partner is five-year-old Coco, said the black shepherd is always excited and eager to work. "She's just like a human partner," he said. "She rides with me and we talk." Camp demonstrated how Coco signals for drugs during an interview with The Herald in which the black shepherd signaled to varying amounts of methaphetamine hidden among ADDU's parking lot. Coco waited patiently as Camp hid meth in various places and when given the signal to begin work she immediately set out to find the drugs with much tail-wagging and speed. Adams, who was also at the demonstration, said a person could tell the bond and trust between a handler and a dog by the dog's reaction. "They have a close bond," she said of Camp and Coco. "He doesn't even have to use a leash (to guide her). You know the partnership is working when the dog can block any outside stimuli and focus on the job they are being asked to do." Adams said that both dogs have different personalities, much like their owners. "Ross is a more aggressive dog," she said. "He is very protective of me." Adams said that the longer a dog is with their handler the more protective they become. "You build that bond with them and eventually they become your family," she said. Adams said Ross, a Czech shepherd, has come to know various officers voices on ADDU's radios. "He can hear the tone of someone's voice and know who it is and if they are excited he gets excited.

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