Deputy Roller brings K-9 unit back to Barry County

By Gwendylan Harmon Special to the Cassville Democrat

After nearly two decades without a K-9 unit, the Barry County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed a new four-legged deputy to its ranks. 

Taz, a nearly 2-year-old Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix, has already begun making an impact on law enforcement efforts across Barry County.

Deputy Camden Roller, Taz’s handler, said the dog has been with the sheriff’s office for about two months and has already proven to be a valuable resource in combating drug trafficking and assisting with criminal investigations.

“Taz is certified in narcotics detection, tracking and building searches,” Deputy Roller said. “He’s already been a useful tool for our agency.”

The addition of a K-9 marks a significant milestone for the Sheriff’s Office. According to Roller, the department has not had a working police dog in 20 years.

“We really needed one in this area, especially with the drug trafficking that’s been going on,” Roller said. “Having a K-9 gives us another tool to help get illegal drugs off the streets and locate suspects when they flee.”

Taz is trained to detect methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. However, Roller noted that the dog is intentionally not trained to detect marijuana because recreational marijuana is legal in Missouri.

“That’s one of the biggest questions people ask,” Deputy Roller said. “He’s not a marijuana dog.”

Before joining the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, Taz underwent an extensive selection and training process.

The dog was imported from Poland through Patriot Canine, a Joplin-based training organization. A master trainer personally selects dogs based on the type of work they will perform, whether that’s narcotics detection, tracking, patrol work or apprehension.

Once selected, each dog begins several weeks of foundational training that includes obedience, socialization and early narcotics imprinting before being paired with a handler.

Roller then completed an intensive six-week handler course alongside Taz.

“We trained Monday through Friday, about eight hours a day,” Roller said. “You learn everything together.”

While the formal training lasted six weeks, the learning continues every day on patrol.

Taz lives full time with Roller, allowing the pair to develop the trust necessary to work effectively together.

“He comes home with me,” Deputy Roller said. “Out here on the road, he’s a working dog. At home, he’s more of a pet.”

That close relationship is essential when working in unpredictable situations.

“The bond is extremely important,” Roller said. “He’s got to be able to trust me, and I’ve got to trust him.”

Roller said much of his job involves reading Taz’s body language during narcotics searches. Small behavioral changes can indicate the presence of illegal drugs, making communication between handler and dog critical.

“I have to watch how he reacts during every vehicle search,” Roller said. “If I don’t, I could miss something.”

The partnership also provides an added level of protection for deputies working alone.

“If I’m on a traffic stop and my nearest backup is 30 minutes away, I have to trust him to have my back,” Roller said.

The sheriff’s office patrol vehicles are equipped with specialized K-9 equipment that allows Taz to assist quickly if an emergency occurs.

“Our cars are designed where, with the push of a button, the passenger-side door opens and he can come out to help if needed,” Roller said.

Although Taz is trained as a patrol and apprehension dog, Roller emphasized that he only bites when given a command.

“He is a bite dog, so we ask people not to come up and pet him while we’re working,” Roller said.

However, community interaction remains an important part of the K-9 program. The sheriff’s office plans to participate in school visits and public events, allowing residents to learn more about Taz and the role police dogs play in public safety.

“When we attend events, he’ll be muzzled, on a leash and under my control the entire time,” Roller said. “Safety is always our priority.”

Since beginning patrol, Taz has already assisted in several investigations across Barry County. Among the most notable was a drug trafficking case in Monett that resulted in an arrest. The suspect remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system.

The K-9 has also been involved in several narcotics cases in Cassville and Eagle Rock.

“We’ve kind of been hitting everywhere in Barry County,” Roller said.

Because Taz is currently the county’s only law enforcement K-9, he also assists neighboring agencies when requested.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has called on the team during traffic stops, and local police departments regularly request assistance when a K-9 is needed.

Roller hopes the success of the program may eventually lead to additional K-9 teams within the sheriff’s office.

“Right now, we’re still pretty new to having a K-9 again,” Deputy Roller said. “We’re seeing how everything goes, and hopefully in the future we can expand.”

At just under 2 years old, Taz is expected to have a long career ahead of him. Working police dogs typically serve until around 9 years of age, depending on their health and physical condition.

As Taz gains experience, Roller expects him to become even more effective.

“They get better over time,” he said. “It’s all about repetition and continuing to train.”

Despite his specialized training, Taz’s mission remains straightforward.

“Our biggest goal is to keep getting drugs off the streets,” Roller said. “A lot of people in this county are tired of the drugs, and so are we. This is where we live. We’re going to keep working every day to make our communities safer.”