In February of 1985, the Sheriff’s Department recognized the need to initiate the K9 program. This program has significantly reduced the man-hours used in searching for suspects, evidence, and narcotics. The safety of our deputies have significantly increased with the ability to locate dangerous suspects with the use of the K9s. Nine deputies and their K9 partners currently provide coverage for the entire county. Their high visibility acts as a powerful deterrent for criminal activity. High levels of training and commitment of the canine deputies, has established the unit as one of the most highly respected in the state.
With the utilization of just one K9 team, the Department is able to reduce the man power needed to search large buildings and open rural areas by over 50%. Additional benefits of having our K9 teams are the reduction in property loss and injuries to deputies, as well as, an increase in the number of arrests of subjects who were in the act of committing crimes.
OCSD K9 teams are trained in Drug Detection and regularly assist patrol and investigations with K9 drug sniffs.
OCSD K9 teams are proud members of the Orange County Police Canine Association.
