Georgia Department of Corrections, Special Operations Canine Unit

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS |SPECIAL OPERATIONS CANINE UNIT

Mission
To enhance public safety throughout the state of Georgia by providing prompt, effective canine support for the Department of Corrections, public schools, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Overview
The Canine Unit currently houses, trains and deploys tracking/ trailing canines, narcotic detection canines and explosive detection canines.
STRUCTURE 12 canine kennels 16 canine handlers 45 canines strategically housed throughout the state
Of the 45 canines, 27 are tracking/trailing dogs (Bloodhounds), 16 are narcotic detection dogs (German Shepherds and Belgium Malinois) and 2 are explosive dogs (1 German Shepherd and 1 Belgium Malinois).
MAINTENANCE Responsible for maintaining yearly training which involves firearms, CPR/First Aid and annual narcotic detection certification for the team. In addition, the Department's Canine Units are responsible for the upkeep and medical treatment of all canines. The Department has a partnership with Purina, who donates all food used to feed our canines. The partnership and donations help to offset the cost of the program tremendously.
LOCATIONS - 12 Baldwin State Prison
One Narcotic Two Tracking One Handler
Coweta Airport One Explosives One Narcotic Two Tracking One Handler
Central State Prison One Narcotic Two Tracking One Handler

Dodge State Prison One Narcotic Two Tracking One Handler
Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison Two Narcotic Two Tracking Two Handlers
Georgia State Prison Two Narcotic Two Tracking Two Handlers
Hays State Prison One Narcotic Two Tracking One Handler
Lee Arrendale State Prison One Explosives One Narcotic One Tracking One Handler
Lee State Prison One Narcotic Three Tracking One Handler
Phillips State Prison One Narcotic One Tracking One Handler
Valdosta State Prison Two Narcotic Four Tracking Two Handlers
Ware State Prison Two Narcotic Four Tracking Two Handlers

Statewide Services
CANINE UNITS Used on a daily basis Conduct narcotic searches of the inmate living units and outside detail sites. Conduct routine searches of visitors, staff and other civilians at state facilities. Recently, the Department's Canine Units in North Georgia become involved with assisting the United States Army Rangers with Combat Readiness Training.
NARCOTIC DETECTION CANINES Assist probation, parole and other state local and federal agencies with search warrants, fourth amendment waivers and safety checks on our state highways and interstates. Narcotic detection dogs are also routinely utilized to conduct school searches in many of our state's public schools.
TRACKING CANINES Assist with the recapture of escaped felons from state and county facilities. Work closely with local law enforcement agencies to assist with the apprehension of fleeing felons throughout the counties across the state of Georgia. Assist in tasks such as arrest warrants, crimes in progress escapes from local police departments, etc. Assist with missing persons throughout the state.
EXPLOSIVES DETECTION CANINES The Department's two explosive detection canines are assigned to the North Georgia Region. Coweta Airport Lee Arrendale State Prison Assist local, state and federal law enforcement agencies with many different tasks and missions. Assist the Department with bomb threats made at any of our state facilities. Used during mass gatherings in an effort to keep areas sterile and free from any potential harm.

Utilized to assist with the clearing of areas for many high profile venues such as campaign headquarters, campaign events and many sporting events.
Assist with the clearing of schools once a threat has been made.
Assist with many murder investigations. Used to look for murder weapons and other explosive devices and evidence
Canine Deployment
In 2011, Canine Units were deployed on: 1,631 departmental calls 408 outside law enforcement calls Units removed 418 cell phones, 168 weapons and 67.11 lbs. of illegal narcotics from state facilities and probationers' residences.
As of October 31, 2012, Canine Units have been deployed on: 1,291 departmental calls 363 outside law enforcement calls A total of 339 cell phones and 105 weapons have been removed from state facilities thus far. Additionally, 36.7 lbs. of marijuana, 2.43 ozs. of methamphetamine, 16 meth labs and 5.2 lbs. of cocaine have been confiscated from our facilities and probationers' residences.

12/2012