Police showcase gear, lifestyle

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| Saturday, May 8, 2004 10:07 PM CDT | () comments

Dawn Feddersen

Anyone who saw the seven squad cars and the mobile crime scene unit parked outside of Kaplan College in Davenport on Saturday might have imagined there was a major investigation taking place.

But anyone who investigated further would have realized that it was the second annual Criminal Justice Invitational. The event took place for the benefit of Kaplan students, as well as the community, to give them a better understanding of what a law enforcement official does.

Representatives from DeWitt, Davenport, and Rock Island police departments participated as well as the Muscatine, Clinton, and Rock Island county sheriff's departments.

Diane Harris, a criminal justice student at Kaplan, appreciated the opportunity to talk with law enforcement officials about her field of study.

"I believe in community policing, so this was a great way to see the police up close and recognize that they're members of our community non-sporting and herding. Winners here advance to Best in Show � winner of the coveted red, white and blue ribbon.

Scoring works a bit differently during obedience trials. Each dog begins with 200 points that are taken away for mistakes. "It is very precision oriented," Bertram said. "The dog and handler are a team, they work together."

Growing in AKC popularity are the agility trials. These are timed events where handlers guide their dogs through tunnels and over hurdles in an obstacle course. The goal is to have the fastest time with the least points taken away for mistakes.

Dee Lulik of Mt. Prospect, Ill., believes that Jack Russels, shelties, border collies and Australian shepherds probably fare best in agility competitions. But that doesn't keep her from having fun on the course with her two airedale terriers, Darby and Kaleigh.

"If you start with a good relationship with the dog you're ahead of the game," said Lulik, who started competing in obedience trials in high school.

Finally, there is Junior Showmanship, a competition that judges the handler rather than the dog. Handlers in this venue are 10 to 18 years of age and are judged on their presentation of the dog.

For Amanda Duncan of Milan, Ill., this show in the Junior Showmanship area is one of her favorites. Though 15, she has been showing shiba inus for five years. She has even won Best Junior Handler at this event in the past.

"I like to win," she said.

This weekend she is in conformation competition with Jasper. While this is only Jasper's second show, the 6-month-old already has earned two points toward her championship.

The Scott County Kennel Club dog show concludes at 4 p.m. today. Admission is $1 (children 12 and under are free) and concessions are available. Additional parking can be found in the lot across from MidAmerican Energy Co. on 5th Avenue, with shuttle service provided.

The club teaches handling and obedience classes. For more information, call (309) 496-2241.

The city desk can be contacted at

(563) 383-2245 or newsroom@qctimes.com.