Sixth-grade students at Pearl River Central Middle School recently observed a demonstration by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 unit. The visit, led by Sergeant Anthony, Corporal Polizzi, and Deputy Wilson, featured K-9 partners Diller and Ozara and the department’s newest addition, a Belgian Malinois puppy named Schalk.

The K-9 handlers showcased criminal apprehension and narcotics detection techniques, demonstrating the dogs’ scent-tracking capabilities, speed, and controlled force. The event included a training exercise in which Principal Dr. White and Assistant Principal Mrs. Kelly volunteered as subjects for the K-9 apprehension display, allowing students to observe the process under safe conditions.

Sheriff David Allison noted the value of such community interactions: “It’s important that we interact with the community so we have a good working relationship together. We need the community to be able to do our job. It’s also important that we have a good relationship with students. We want the students to know that we are here for them and also here to protect them. We also want them to know we have an open line of communication so they’ll come to us if they need anything.”