Q: What can you share about your new K-9 program for the jail?
A: This is a brand new program and it’s not typical to have K-9s in the jails. But we’ve had a handful of drug overdoses since I’ve been sheriff and since our goal is to make people better than when they came in, we wanted to institute this program. Unfortunately, we do have some who sneak in contraband. Currently we have the 3-D scanning machines like in the airport, but narcotics can be hidden in bodies, so sometimes illegal narcotics get in the jail. We have to be proactive and innovative to protect the safety of not only our inmates, but also the 220 employees who work in the jail.
Q: How did you start the program?
A: First we went through an extensive search to find the best kind of dog, and determined it would be a German Shorthaired Pointer or GSP. These are very active, hunting-type dogs with a keen sense of smell, a lot of stamina, and a high work ethic. We found two sister dogs, Raven and Korra, in Canada and brought them here at the end of last year. Concurrently, we were defining the responsibilities of the handlers and selected two deputies, Dep. Lebon and Dep. Hieras, to undergo extensive training. When Raven and Korra arrived here, after a transitional period where they became acquainted with their handlers and the handlers’ families, we shipped the dogs and the handlers off to Marion County for specialty training. Marion County is also instituting a program like this and we are training together.
Q: What is the next step?
A: The training is progressing very well and the dogs are scheduled to receive their Certification for Scent by the end of February and have all training completed by the beginning of March. At that time, we will swear them in as deputy sheriffs and they will be issued a badge and identification number.
Q: And then they will begin their duties?
A: Yes. They will work with an unorthodox and unknown schedule so as to keep the element of surprise. The K-9 teams will work on opposite days so that every day is covered at our two primary facilities: the work release center, which houses 20 to 30, and our main facility, which houses approximately 400. The dogs are trained to sniff many different illegal substances, including fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin. The dogs are also available to back up our K-9s on the street when needed.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you with any questions or suggestions about this article?
A: They can email me at sheriff@sjso.org or call me at (904) 824-8304. Also, our website, www.sjso.org has a wealth of resources.
