Meet the CDCR K‑9s: Mayor, Penny, Ranger

September 1, 2026

Mayor, at left, Ranger in the center and Penny at right with their handlers.

Three CDCR K-9s assisting their handlers to help keep institutions safe are Mayor, Penny and Ranger.

Mayor and Correctional Officer J. Ford III are based out of California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo.
Penelope, aka Penny, and Correctional Officer D. Acosta work at High Desert State Prison in Susanville.
Ranger and Correctional Officer J. Castillo are based at California Institution for Men in Chino.

Every day, CDCR K-9s work alongside their handlers to help keep the institutions, staff and 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 seventh in a series highlighting CDCR’s K-9s and their handlers.

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

Learn more about the following CDCR K-9s:

Mayor: California Men’s Colony

Handler’s name: Correctional Officer J. Ford III
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Age: 3 years, 5 months
Institution: California Men’s Colony, San Luis Obispo
Years of service: 2 years, 4 months
If your K-9 had a theme song, it would be: “Bad Boys” by Inner Circle, the theme song from “Cops.” Why? Because when Mayor comes out on the yard, people know they are going to lose their contraband.
How they like to relax when they’re not working: Mayor is always working. When I get home, he likes to take a lap around the house and search everything before he calms down. But after a long day of searching, he loves to pass out in his kennel on his back with his legs up. After kennel time, he enjoys resting under the avocado trees or jumping in the koi pond.
Memorable moment: His first find on a parole sweep and the look in his eyes after he alerted to a dresser with marijuana in it.
What do you enjoy about working with Mayor? Him being able to conduct air scan and search people. We enjoy the hunt of a find.

Penny, a CDCR K-9 at High Desert State Prison in Susanville.

Penny: High Desert State Prison

Handler’s name: Correctional Officer D. Acosta
Breed: German Shepherd
Age: 3 years
Institution: High Desert State Prison, Susanville
Years of service: 1 year, 2 months
If your K-9 had a theme song, it would be: “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus.
How they like to relax when they’re not working: Lying on her favorite purple blanket.
Fun fact: Penny gets so excited entering the sally port for work they can hear us coming from a mile away.
Anything else you’d like to share? Penny likes to play with two tugs, and I better throw the second one as soon as she gets the first one.

Ranger: California Institution for Men

Handler’s name: Correctional Officer J. Castillo
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Age: 4 years
Institution: California Institution for Men, Chino
Years of service: 3 years
If your K-9 had a theme song, it would be: “Can’t Be Touched” by Roy Jones Jr.
How they like to relax when they’re not working: After a hard day’s work and training, Ranger enjoys lying down in the cold air conditioning.
Memorable moment: I assisted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) in a search warrant at a known gang member’s residence. K-9 Ranger discovered a firearm in a hidden compartment located in a dresser drawer. The firearm had been used in a crime and the LASD needed to find. It was a moment where all the hard work and training K-9 Ranger goes through definitely paid off.
What do you enjoy about working with your K-9? Ranger is more than a partner; he’s a trusted teammate who works hard every day to help fellow officers and keep the community safe. His drive, loyalty and dedication make him an invaluable member of our department.

Compiled by Lisa Hamer,
Assistant to 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.