Texas DPS Just Deployed 9 New K-9 Tracking and Detection Teams

Sound the alarms! Texas has just graduated nine new K-9 teams to be deployed across the state. These good doggos will help law enforcement from public safety to explosive detection, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

K-9 Programs in Texas

In Texas, there are 46 total dogs that assist with narcotics detection, 15 to help with finding explosives, and 14 for tracking purposes.

Just what kinds of dogs are in the Texas K-9 programs? Well, you have your standard German and Dutch Shepherds, Labradors, and Retrievers, but there are lesser-known breeds like the tough Belgian Malinois.

Each dog undergoes a rigorous nine-week training program before they can graduate and officially join the police force.

Texas K-9 Narcotics Detection

Six teams recently graduated from the narcotics detection training. It's here where they're taught to detect traces of meth, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and other controlled substances.

These dogs will assist on dangerous missions locating drug caches and removing deadly narcotics from Texas communities.

Explosives Detection Team

Next, comes the explosives detection K-9 graduating class. Two teams recently graduated from this high-risk training. Not only can they detect potentially explosive odors, they can also assist officers in schools and other public facilities where bomb threats are announced.

Their sharp senses and disciplined training allows them to face threats under pressure without wavering.

K-9 Tracking Team in Texas

Finally, there was one recent graduating class in a program of their own: tracking.

This can refer to either locating missing persons or fugitives by utilizing their keen sense of smell to follow humans across great distances.

Fun Fact: The longest K-9 track in Texas spanned 16 miles where cops followed the incredible nose of their K-9 until they found the person in question. I just hope that dog had all the treats it wanted for an amazing job done.

Click here to see the full list of all K-9 graduates this November. Such good dogs!