Who would have ever imagined a Jack Russell would come in handy to the police? Turns out, Officer Curtis Jue’s Jack Russell, Yoda, can possibly be more beneficial than the average police dog we’re so use to seeing.

Yoda is one of the newer members of Stockton Unified School District’s K-9 team. Yoda isn’t trained to fight or bite like several police dogs we’ve seen on television. Instead, Yoda is a contraband dog. He is trained to detect drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, marijuana and firearm and fireworks. Also, Yoda does not react to his findings as a German Shepherd or a Belgian Malinois might. Instead of scratching or frantic yelping, Yoda is trained to make a passive alert at which he sits if something is detected.

The Recordnet mentions “while Yoda’s small stature might not fit the police dog stereotype, Jue said a Jack Russell terrier could be less intimidating for students than a larger breed.”

Jack Russells are relatively smaller than other police dogs, therefore they have an advantage when in smaller places. “Jack Russells are usually utilized with the military, especially the marines because they fit in the submarines,” says Officer Jue. Yoda is being small in size is easier for police officers too because they don’t have to worry about the big dogs getting stuck in the nook and crannies as the dogs do get scared and start to panic.

Yoda is Officer Jue’s first Jack Russell and so far, Jue loves working with the dog. “Police officers become police officers because they want to help people who can’t help themselves, ” said Jue, “but for me, it’s just so much better because I get to have a lot of fun with my best friend everyday.”

Matthew Fisher