K-9 Mango, a 7-year-old Labrador retriever, is retiring after six years of service at California State Prison, Corcoran.
Mango and her handler, Officer Socorro Rios, graduated CDCR’s K-9 Academy in March 2018. During the training, Mango completed scent training and learned to detect the presence of illegal drugs and contraband, which includes tobacco and cell phones.
Mango is a feisty, hardworking, smart and competitive K-9. During Mango’s first week at CSP-Corcoran, she put her training to good use by alerting to a package in the mailroom.
The package contained 14 grams of tobacco and a cellphone. Later the same day, she alerted to a phone, phone charger, and three electronic cigarettes within inmate property located in Receiving and Release.
During Mango’s time in service, she assisted in dozens of narcotics related residential search warrants across California. Mango also assisted with a half dozen financial fraud related search warrants, assisting the Employment Development Department, resulting in narcotics, electronic devices and US currency related to the investigation.
She also assisted other institutions throughout the Central Region, helping maintain institutional safety and security.
By the numbers: K-9 Mango career finds
Totals for Mango:
- 7,341 grams of marijuana
- 263 grams of heroin
- 1,993 grams of methamphetamine
- 11,058 grams of tobacco
- and 348 cell phones
In 2022, due to a genetic disorder, Mango lost eyesight in her left eye and partial vision in her right eye.
Despite her condition, Mango continued to have great success in detecting contraband.
Despite adversity, Mango continued to perform her duties well, becoming a respected and loved member of the CSP-Corcoran family.
Mango represented the department in the community, attending Red Ribbon Week and career fairs at several schools.
Mango will enjoy her retirement with Officer Rios, who is adopting her four-legged partner.
Submitted by Lt. Robert Clifton
Learn more about CDCR’s K-9 programs.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related K-9 news
K‑9 Mango retires after six years of service
K-9 Mango, a 7-year-old Labrador retriever, is retiring after six years of service at California State Prison, Corcoran.
Meet Penny, Men’s Colony first peer support dog
The California Men’s Colony Peer Support Team is welcoming new member Penny, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever.
Retired CDCR K‑9 Villain passes away
For nearly four years, K-9 Villain helped CDCR fulfill its public safety mission at Sierra Conservation Center. Villain retired in December 2023 and passed away Feb. 15, 2024.
K‑9 River given to veteran at Chargers game
The culmination of compassion, charity, and patience was displayed at a recent Chargers game when service dog River was gifted to a military veteran.
Labradoodle spreads positivity at HDSP
Inspired by the California Model, CEO Todd Murray and Abe, his Labradoodle, are spreading joy at High Desert State Prison. “Abe’s presence helps break down barriers and normalize our experience,” Dr. Murray said.
Ironwood teams place in Riverside K‑9 Trials
Two Ironwood State Prison K-9 teams competed in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Trials placing first overall and third in vehicle search.