SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Nov 7 that four additional specialized K-9 teams will join the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to improve public safety and provide service to Californians.

This graduating class consisted of 3 Belgian Malinois (Judge, Jag, Jury) and 1 Dutch Shepherd (Oso). While on the force, these canines will play a critical role in criminal apprehension and controlled substance detection in Californian communities. Additionally, they will accompany CHP officers to safeguard neighborhoods as patrol canines. 

As part of an extensive 11-week training, handlers and canines completed 400 hours of criminal apprehension and narcotics detection education. All teams met the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines, ultimately receiving their official title as a Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine at the graduation ceremony in Sacramento. 

Each trained canine will serve alongside a K-9 handler who is a CHP officer with vast experience, ensuring seasoned leadership behind each team. These new teams will be joining CHP offices in the following field divisions: Northern, Central, and Inland. As part of their role, they will continue to train at least eight hours a week to maintain peak readiness to protect and serve Californians. 

(Photo source: California Governor's Newsroom)