Horsham K-9 One Of 119 In World With Special Training

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —Mac is making the rounds.

On this breezy and sunny Thursday morning, the Horsham Township Police Department's newest canine lays patiently in his cage in the back of Detective Kim Ngo's van. But Mac has a visitor and eagerly accepts pets while wagging his tail.

You would think the 2-year-old Labrador/Golden Retriever mix is like any other dog, accepting pets and treats and getting his belly rubbed or running around playing with children.

But K-9 Mac is special. He's only one of 119 dogs trained in the world specially trained in detecting electronic storage devices.

"It's pretty impressive," Council President Mark McCouch said. "We're lucky to have him."

Mac made his public debut at Monday night's Horsham Township Council meeting, joining members to pose for pictures and receiving pets from the audience.

Police Chief Scott Fida introduced Mac and his handler Ngo at the meeting.

"He's not trained in chasing bad guys or bombs and narcotics," Fida said.

The chief and Ngo said Mac specializes in detecting electronic storage devices such as cell phones, USB drives, SD cards, mini-SD cards, external hard drives, and hidden cameras.

Ngo said Mac is used in the execution of search warrants and locating potential electronic storage device evidence, especially in regards to child exploitation cases but can help with any cases where storage devices need to be located.

The chief said that Mac also works with a task force, which uses his abilities for search warrants.

On Thursday, Mac was stationed at the Horsham District Court after assisting with a search warrant out of Quakertown. Ngo said Mac was going to be involved in a search warrant in Philadelphia but that fell through this week.

Ngo and Mac recently returned from training at the Jordan Canine Detection Agency in Indianapolis.

Ngo said she was in class with Mac with 12 other handlers from throughout the world.

Mac was first trained in helping people with disabilities but "he failed out as a therapy dog," Ngo said.

"He was afraid of cars and wheelchairs," she said.

Mac was acquired by the police department through donations from Operation Underground Railroad, The Asplundh Foundation, and State Rep. Melissa Cerrato.