Meet the CDCR K‑9s: Ares, Chino are on the job

August 24, 2026

Officer L. Scott with Ares, left, and Chino.

Ares and Chino are two CDCR K-9s protecting Californians through drug interdiction efforts in institutions and community.

Every day, CDCR K-9s work alongside their handlers to help keep the institutions, staff and the public safe. From locating contraband to assisting with criminal investigations, these highly trained officers play an important role in maintaining safety across California’s institutions.

CDCR recognizes the dedication, loyalty and service of our K-9 partners.

This is the first of a series highlighting CDCR’s K-9 teams.

>> Read the second installment.

Did you know? National Police K-9 Day is observed Sept. 1.

Ares: CTF-Soledad

Handler’s name: Correctional Officer Lydia Scott
Breed: Belgian Malinois mixed with German Shepherd
Age: 8
Institution: Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad
Years of service: 6 years
If your K-9 had a theme song it would be: “K-9 Partner” by Cecil Odell
How they like to relax when they’re not working: Ares loves to sleep on his cot.
Silly story: After work, when we are home, he likes to run from me when I am trying to put him in his outside kennel.

Chino: Pleasant Valley State Prison

Handler’s name: Correctional Officer Jonathan Nolasco
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Age: 2
Institution: Pleasant Valley State Prison, Coalinga
Working role: Narcotic
Years of Service: 8 months
If your K-9 had a theme song it would be: “Dijeron Que No La Iba a Lograr” by Fuerza Regida and Chino Pacas
How they like to relax when they’re not working: Chino likes to relax in his comfy crate with his rectangle pillow dog bed.
Memorable moment: A memorable moment for me and Chino was his first find while on duty and him getting his Kong extreme dog toy for his reward.

How K-9 teams are trained

Each canine team passes the department’s 280-hour training course. These K-9s are specially trained to detect narcotics and other contraband such as cell phones and tobacco. The mission of the K-9 unit is to combat the introduction of illegal drugs and contraband into CDCR facilities and reduce the overall level of drug/contraband and criminal activity within the prison population, thereby enhancing the safety and security of the institution.

Compiled by Lisa Hamer,
Assistant to the Undersecretary of Operations Jason D. Johnson
Story, graphics by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications

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Learn more about CDCR’s K-9 programs.