Few people realize it, but the K9 “deputies” in use by the Sheriff’s Office, and much of their specialized equipment, are paid for entirely through the donations of private individuals and civic-minded business organizations. These unique dogs, which cost thousands of dollars each, are bred and trained for police work. The deputy sheriffs who work as K9 handlers undergo rigorous ongoing training with their K9 partners. The dogs not only assist with patrol operations on a daily basis, but their search and seizure skills are vital to the detection and interdiction of narcotics, explosives and other contraband. K9 teams make hundreds of arrests annually, and their efforts lead to the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs and contraband.
Deputies working as K9 handlers routinely visit county schools to introduce their K9 partners and reinforce the importance of public safety and the law. School Resource Officers in several school districts also provide an extra measure of on-campus safety and security and are a valuable presence for school administration officials and students alike.
