Peachtree City has a new cop on the beat with an uncanny ability to sniff out drugs.

Officer Mike, a Belgian Malanois dog, can detect as many as four different illegal drugs at the same time, according to Police Chief H.C. “Skip” Clark. Mike is also trained in searching for missing persons, but instead of using his nose when searching, Mike detects ground disturbances, Clark said.

Mike is also trained in the apprehension of criminals: successfully bringing them to the ground so officers can apply handcuffs.

“He hits hard and does what he’s supposed to do,” said Mike’s handler, Cpl. Scott “Andy” Johnson.

Mike will not take any action unless ordered to by officer Johnson, who went through several months of training with Mike and has complete verbal command of the animal.

Mike is “very well-behaved,” Clark said, noting that he goes through about four hours of training each week to make sure he stays sharp, Clark said.

“He’s a very strong dog and he can definitely do what he needs to do,” Clark said.

On a recent search warrant, Mike detected a tiny amount of marijuana residue in a box underneath a bed, for example. To indicate to Johnson that he has detected drugs in a particular area, Mike is trained to “sit.”

Mike and Officer Johnson are together 24/7, as the dog goes home with his master to a special kennel and also special downtime, because its important for Mike to be able to blow off stress, Johnson said.

“He’s an aggressive nuzzler,” Johnson said. “He has a great temperament but he is a law enforcement tool, you have to keep that in mind.”

The playful side of Mike comes out after a successful mission when Johnson pulls out Mike’s favorite toy: a pvc or metal pipe to tug on.

“He takes care of him just like a part of the family,” Clark said, noting that Johnson is very protective of his partner.

Another partner in the project is Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America in Peachtree City, which provided a significant level of funding to get the K-9 program kick-started with Mike, Chief Clark said.

“Quite honestly without your contribution we wouldn’t be able to be here today to have this dog,” Clark said as he presented an award to Panasonic president Vince Sarrecchia last week in recognition of the company’s contribution.

“You do an awful great service to the community,” Sarrecchia said. “Sometimes its unappreciated, and sometimes it is appreciated and we wanted to show how much we do appreciate it.”