Canine Unit
The Sheriff’s K-9 Unit provides specialized law enforcement in the patrol environment by assisting in situations where the safety of community members or officers is at risk. Canines have an incredibly keen sense of smell that allows them to detect drugs, explosives, and other contraband that human officers may miss. Their acute olfactory abilities make them invaluable for searching vehicles, buildings, and other areas for illicit substances and dangerous materials.
When a dangerous suspect flees on foot, K9 teams can quickly track and locate them. The dog’s superior tracking skills allow them to follow a scent trail that may be invisible to the human eye. This helps law enforcement catch criminals which in turn helps to keep our communities safe.
Canines are also frequently used in search and rescue type missions to locate missing people. By following a scent trail, the dog can lead officers down the path a person took, greatly increasing the chances of finding them quickly. This is especially critical when dealing with lost children or vulnerable adults.
The Sheriff’s K-9 Unit was established in May 1986 with one dog and a deputy handler. It has since grown to seven full-time Patrol K-9 Teams. The teams are stationed in Ventura, Fillmore, Ojai, Camarillo, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, and the remote region in northern Ventura County known as Lockwood Valley. All Patrol K-9 Teams are cross-trained in narcotics detection and are on call 24 hours a day.
The K-9 teams participate in a regularly scheduled weekly training program. They are routinely used in various high-risk situations such as building and open area searches, tracking of suspects, and evidence location. Our K-9 teams frequently participate in various public demonstrations throughout the county.
The K-9 unit recently added an eighth team with a black Labrador Retriever, assigned and specifically trained as a Therapy Dog at the Health and Programming Unit at the Todd Road Jail facility. This particular team is quite popular among the inmate population who suffer from mental health concerns. The team is also very active and a crowd favorite at various public demonstrations throughout the year.
Unlike other programs or teams within the Sheriff’s Office, the K-9 unit is proudly funded solely by private donations and fundraisers. All of the funds raised on behalf of the K-9 unit go directly toward the development and support of our K-9 program, through the Ventura Sheriff K9 Foundation, a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit organization.
Please visit the Ventura County Sheriff’s K9 Unit website for more information.
