Two new explosive detection K9 deputies have joined the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit.
According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, Deputy Patrick Newton with K9 Dizla and Deputy Walter Pollock with K9 Tina recently completed the explosive detection course which involves over 230 hours of training.
Corporal Jason Cotton also received Advanced Trainers Certification in Narcotics, Explosives and Patrol. Deputy Neil Butler received Basic Trainer Certification in Narcotics, Explosives and Patrol.
The K9 unit at the agency now includes four K9s trained in patrolling and narcotics, as well as the two bomb dogs.
The explosive detecting K9s will conduct sweeps of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Building, along with any other government building that requests their use. The K9s will also work with the Executive Protection Unit and are available to neighboring law enforcement agencies.
“Our strategic proactive safety measures such as these K9s promote a safer Gwinnett,” Sheriff Keybo Taylor said in a prepared statement.
