AGPD K-9 Unit

Sergeant John Allen and his partner, Hero, established the Arroyo Grande Police Department K-9 program in 1985. From 1990 to 2004, Sergeant Kevin McBride continued the success of the K-9 program with his two K-9 partners, Czar and Fawni. In 2004, a new K-9 handler, Senior Officer Kimberely DeBlauw, was selected and is presently serving in this special assignment in our community with her partner, Zak.

When a K-9 Officer is selected for the K-9 handler assignment they are sent to a four-week training program with their new partner. This course includes obedience, protection, and all areas of searching. Shortly thereafter, the K-9 team is again sent to a second four-week training in Narcotic Detection. During the 160-hour class, the dog is trained to detect narcotics such as Cocaine, Hashish, Heroin, Marijuana, and Methamphetamine. Once trained, the K-9 team is deployed on various patrol shifts and is also available for callouts of the K-9 as necessary. (Callouts occur when the officer is off-duty but readily available to respond for either a narcotic and/or suspect search.)

The team dedicates approximately 8-hours to monthly maintenance training to demonstrate ongoing proficiency in their work, but in reality, everyday is training when working with police service dogs. Obedience is the most important aspect of training and is the foundation for the successful performance of the other skills required of police service dogs. The K-9s sense of smell is approximately 93% of their use as well as their hearing. An average K-9 will respond to noise from 140 yards compared to 40 yards for a human.

The Arroyo Grande Police Department K-9 team is designed to enhance the departments ability to respond to emergencies in the areas of officer protection, tracking, building and area searches, and the apprehension of suspects. Due to their extraordinary sense of hearing and smell, K-9s can search for suspects, narcotics, and physical evidence, in a fraction of the time required by police officers.

Questions regarding the Arroyo Grande Police Department K9 program can be answered by call Senior Officer DeBlauw at (805) 473-5100.