CDCR has recently completed its Drug Interdiction Program K-9 teams expansion with the completion of its June 4, 2019, K-9 Academy Graduation. K-9 teams at each CDCR adult institutions have proven to be effective tools in discovering narcotics and contraband.
These K-9 teams have proven they are equally effective in supporting each of CDCR’s values and its mission to enhance public safety. K-9 Teams across the state have been busy working in our communities.
CDCR K-9 teams at Trunk-or-Treat
On Oct. 18, CDCR K-9 Teams participated in the Community Trunk or Treat event held by the California Institution for Men. With state vehicles decorated and K-9’s dressed as superheroes, CDCR K-9 teams had the opportunity to interact with the community. They answered questions, and performed several K-9 demonstrations. Approximately 700 community members attended and CDCR K-9 team vehicles proved to be a crowd favorite. There were cheers, overflowing candy bags and plenty of wagging tails.
Red Ribbon Week in Fontana
On Oct. 24, CDCR K-9 Teams assisted Falcon Ridge Elementary in Fontana in hosting their local Red Ribbon Week campaign events. Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention program.
Those speaking to students at the school included
- California Institution for Women Correctional Officers Lupe Gutierrez and K-9 Dexter and Officer Jose Manrriquez and K-9 Duke
- California City Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Jackson and K-9 Kobe
Students were treated to interactive K-9 demonstrations, placing each student in the position of Junior K-9 Handler. Students learned about the dogs’ sense of smell and some of their training.
The school auditorium was filled with cheering Junior K-9 Handlers, who all pledged to stay drug free.
First place for parcel detection
On Nov. 2, 2019, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department hosted the 24th annual K-9 Trial and Public Safety Fair at George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center in Norco.
Over 80 law enforcement K-9 teams from across the country and Mexico competed in the event. They competed in narcotics detection, evidence location, protection, agility and performance.
Ironwood State Prison (ISP) Correctional Officer Jason Martin and K-9 Camo competed for the first time, taking first place for Parcel Search. Camo is a 4-year-old yellow lab who graduated the K-9 academy in March 2017. He is trained to detect the odor of narcotics (marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine) and contraband (cell phones and tobacco). Camo has already discovered over $500,000 worth of narcotics and contraband in his short career.
“He has earned 100 percent of my trust. I know when he gives an alert, there is going to be contraband and/or narcotics,” said Martin.
They were joined by fellow handlers from the California Institution for Women who competed side by side representing CDCR. Officer Gutierrez and K-9 Dexter earned the fifth place for Building Search in the narcotics division. Officer Jose Manrriquez and K-9 Duke earned fourth place for Vehicle Search in the narcotics division.
“Going into the K-9 Unit, I was unaware of the amount of responsibility you inherit as a handler. However it is the most exciting and rewarding job I can imagine,” said Martin.
Officer Vance and Rocky are ISP’s second K-9 team. Rocky graduated from the K-9 academy 10 months ago.
Learn more about CDCR’s K-9 programs.
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