Duke, Tulsa Police's Crime Fighting Dog Retires

A Tulsa Police officer who single-handedly took millions of dollars worth of drugs off city streets, is about to retire. He's served the citizens with distinction for 10 years, which is about 70 in

Monday, August 28th 2006, 10:32 am

By: News On 6

A Tulsa Police officer who single-handedly took millions of dollars worth of drugs off city streets, is about to retire. He's served the citizens with distinction for 10 years, which is about 70 in people years.

News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright introduces us to Duke.

Duke might not move as fast as he did when he was a puppy and his hips and knees aren't what they used to be, but his nose is as good as ever. See how he stops right next to the locker where his handler has hidden some drugs.

Duke is an old pro, he has found drugs wrapped in layers of cellophane, stuff in laundry boxes, inside coolers, suitcases, even drugs in balloons hidden in baby diapers. He finds it even when drug dealers do their best to disguise the odor.

Tulsa Police officer Pat Dunlap: "There's been a lot of baby powder, perfume, transmission fluid, oil, mustard, cinnamon, lot of different kinds." Officer Dunlap says Duke doesn't find the drugs so much as the odor. Why? Because he can't wait to play with his toy and that's his reward, contrary to what some people think. "Some people think they're addicted to the drugs and all this stuff. What are you talking about? That'd kill em."

Duke was Tulsa's first dog used exclusively to find drugs. He's part German Shepherd and came from Holland. He cost several thousands of dollars, but in the past years, has recovered millions in drugs and cash. "Probably the best feeling is on a search warrant when officers search a house for an hour or two and we bring Duke in and he finds drugs for em. It's a nice feeling when he helps other officers like that."

Duke retires with many commendations from local and federal agencies and knowing that he's served the citizens of Tulsa well. Duke becomes Pat's pet now and Pat leaves the drug unit and will be working as a patrol officer in north Tulsa.

A new dog named Max will try to follow in Duke's footsteps.