2016 OPS Canine Unit fact sheet [2016]

GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS DIVISION

2016 OPS CANINE UNIT FACT SHEET

Homer BrysonGreg DozierRicky Myrick

Commissioner

Chief of Staff

OPS Director

The Office of Professional Standards Canine Unit is responsible for enhancing public safety throughout the state of Georgia by providing prompt and effective canine support for the Georgia 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 and trailing canines, narcotic detection canines, and explosive detection canines.

Central State Prison 1 Narcotic 2 Tracking 1 Handler

STRUCTURE 12 canine kennels 17 canine handlers 45 canines strategically housed throughout Georgia
Of the 45 canines, 27 are tracking and trailing dogs (Bloodhounds), 16 are narcotic detection dogs (German Shepherds and Belgium Malinois) and 2 are explosive dogs (1 German Sheperd and 1 Belgium Malinois).

Dodge State Prison 1 Narcotic 2 Tracking 1 Handler
Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison 1 Explosives 2 Narcotic 2 Tracking 2 Handlers

Georgia State Prison 2 Narcotic 2 Tracking 2 Handlers

Hays State Prison 1 Narcotic 2 Tracking 1 Handler

MAINTENANCE Yearly training to include firearms, CPR/First Aid and annual narcotic detection certification for the team. Upkeep and medical treatment of all canines. The Department has a partnership with Purina, who dates most of the food used to feed the canines. The partnership and donations assist with offsetting the cost of the program.
LOCATIONS - 12 Baldwin State Prison
2 Narcotic 3 Tracking 1 Handler
Coweta Airport 1 Explosives 1 Narcotic 2 Tracking 1 Handler

Lee Arrendale State Prison 1 Narcotic 1 Tracking 1 Handler
Lee State Prison 1 Narcotic 3 Tracking 1 Handler
Phillips State Prison 1 Narcotic 1 Tracking 1 Handler
Valdosta State Prison 2 Narcotic 4 Tracking 2 Handlers
Ware State Prison 2 Narcotic 4 Tracking 2 Handlers

The Georgia Department of Corrections creates a safer Georgia by effectively managing offenders and providing opportunities for positive change.

Statewide Services CANINE UNITS
Utilized on a daily basis. Conduct narcotic searches of the inmate living units and
outside detail sites. Conduct routine searches of visitors, staff and other civil-
ians at state facilities. Canine Units in North Georgia are 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 Assigned to the North Georgia Region. Coweta Airport Georgia Diagnostic & Classification 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
In 2012, Canine Units were deployed on: 1,291 departmental calls 363 outside law enforcement calls A total of 339 cell phones and 105 weapons were removed from state facilities 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
In 2013, Canine Units were deployed on: 1,595 departmental calls 508 outside law enforcement calls A total of 224 cell phones and 184 weapons were removed from state facilities Units also removed 24 lbs. of marijuana, 10 ozs. of cocaine, and 12.5 ozs. of methamphetamine from state facilities and probationers' residences
In 2014, Canine Units were deployed on: 2,015 departmental calls 447 outside law enforcement calls A total of 369 cell phones and 119 weapons were removed from state facilities Units also removed 26.3 lbs. of marijuana, 2.4 lbs. of cocaine, and 12.1 lbs. of methamphetamine from state facilities, state detail sites, and probationers residences An additional 106.66 lbs. of tobacco were removed from state facilities and detail work sites
In 2015, Canine Units were deployed on: 1,981 departmental calls 843 outside law enforcement calls A total of 306 cell phones and 183 weapons were removed from state facilities Units also removed 19.4 lbs. of marijuana, 12.7 oz. of cocaine, and 8.7 lbs. of methamphetamine from state facilities, state detail sites, and probationers residences An additional 91.1 lbs. of tobacco were removed from state facilities and detail work sites