Two CDCR K-9s assisting their handlers to help keep institutions safe are Shadow and Sammy.
- Shadow and Correctional Officer S. Cisneros work at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.
- Sammy and Correctional Officer M. Abramson are based out of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
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 eighth in the 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 CDCR K-9s:
- Ares and Chino
- Kilo and Lola
- Bane and Ebony
- Carlitos and Farah
- Kona and Nala
- Anna
- Mayor, Penny and Ranger
Shadow: California Correctional Institution
- Handler’s name: Correctional Officer S. Cisneros
- Breed: German Shepherd
- Age: 7 years
- Institution: California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi
- Years of service: 6 years (2 with current handler)
- If your K-9 had a theme song, it would be: “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell
- How they like to relax when they’re not working: Lying on his favorite bed in his crate.
- Fun fact: Shadow was born in the Netherlands and loves the snow. We had a search at one of our fire camps, and it had snowed quite a bit the night before. When I got him out of the vehicle, he was jumping and rolling all around in the snow like he was a puppy and having the best time.
- Anything else you’d like to share? While there are many challenges, long days, and ever-changing situations, this has been the most rewarding and humbling position I have experienced during my CDCR career.
Sammy: San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
- Handler’s name: Correctional Officer M. Abramson
- Breed: Black labrador
- Age: 3 years
- Institution: San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
- Years of service: 1 year, 8 months
- If your K-9 had a theme song, it would be: “Free Bird” by Moonlight.
- How they like to relax when they’re not working: Sprints in the grass, a two-mile walk, and flat out resting on his back.
- Memorable moment: Once he detected narcotics inside a guitar, lunging forcefully toward the source. His eyes were wide, his gaze darting from side to side as he repeatedly pointed his nose toward the guitar.
- What do you enjoy about working with your K-9? Sammy maintains an eager, high-energy demeanor, panting openly as he searches. Upon detecting the scent of illicit narcotics contraband, he transitions to a focused passive alert, characterized by sitting, a sudden cessation of breathing, and his eyes widen significantly.
- Anything else you’d like to add? Sammy is pure joy in motion, constantly bursting with excitement, full hip wiggles, a wagging tail and a fast zoomie.
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
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).
Learn more about CDCR’s K-9 programs.
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