The K9 Unit is comprised of three dual purpose dog teams certified in narcotics detection and patrol work. These teams provide support for different divisions and units within the Office to include patrol, Metro VNI, detentions, SWAT, SRT, and CRU. El Paso County K9 teams have also aided other agencies to include FBI, ATF, DEA, FBP, and numerous surrounding agencies. The K9 Unit is on call 365 days a year and responds to a large number of different situations within the County.
Each K9 team is certified in the areas of handler and officer protection, evidence searches, tracking, building searches, field searches, suspect apprehension, obedience, agility, and narcotic detection. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit is a member of and certified with the USPCA - United States Police Canine Association.
The three German Shepherd Dogs assigned to the K9 Unit are imported from Europe through Joe Clingan of Fort Collins Protection Dogs and Training. The dogs are selected and trained for specific purposes, and will continue their training until their retirement from the unit.
The Sheriff’s Office is extremely happy to be able to improve upon the service brought to the citizens of El Paso County through the use of police service dogs. The impact they have on modern day policing is immeasurable, and their positive influences Office wide result in better service for the public.
For questions, please contact Sgt. Jeff Kramer at 390-2022.