The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Unit, recently received a “scent wall” training aid constructed by a Prescott Valley Home Depot employee. Working with YCSO K9 supervisor Sgt. Jeff Jaeger and the K9 team, Home Depot employee Dave Kamholz designed the scent wall structure for use by K9 teams during drug detection training. About half of the costs of materials were offset with funding from the Yavapai County Community Foundation (YCCF). Additional materials, including the construction time involving Mr. Kamholz, were donated with approval of Home Depot store management.

The scent wall’s unique design allows the K9 to receive a reward directly from the location where drug odor and material is detected. As seen in the photos, the K9 and handler will approach the front side of the wall and attempt to detect drug contraband within the various openings. If an item of contraband is detected, the K9 reward is immediately placed into the tube from the back of the wall to reward the alert. In this way, the K9 remains focused on the origin of the odor and is not distracted by looking for a reward from its handler.

YCSO intends to share the scent wall with its neighboring K9 police agency partners.

Sheriff Mascher and the YCSO K9 team would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to YCCF, Home Depot, and employee Dave Kamholz for their efforts with this project.  

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at (928) 771-3260 or the YCSO website:  www.ycsoaz.gov

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