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K-9 Units

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office currently deploys six K-9 teams that range from tracking teams to explosive detection teams. These teams are Nationally Certified in their respective fields and undergo constant training to maintain their proficiency. The K-9 handlers are select deputies from the Patrol Division within the department and are subject to callout 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The K-9 teams fall under the supervision of Lt. Jeff Hilton of the Support Services division.

At present, we have 6 canines that serve as multi-purpose teams:

Explosives Detection

“Bavo" is a Belgian Malinois and is trained to provide search and detection skills for explosives and firearms. The dog is trained to find the scent of gunpowder in both commercial and military explosives. “Bavo” is also cross-trained as a Patrol Dog which can assist in home and building searches for suspects as well as short range tracking of criminals.

Narcotics Detection

There are two Narcotics Detection canines assigned to the K-9 team. “Tommy”, a long haired German Shepherd and “Nika”, a Belgian Malinois, are both trained to find the scent of marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine. The teams are responsible for locating narcotics hidden in houses, cars and buried in yards. The dogs are also used to establish probable cause for search warrants. These teams work with the Drug Task Force, Criminal Investigative Unit, SWAT Team and Patrol.

Tracking Teams

“Lucy” and “Jake” are highly trained bloodhounds that have received their National Certification by the NPBA. The third canine, “Ella Mae", is the latest addition and is currently undergoing training to obtain her National Certification. These dogs are used to find criminal suspects and missing persons. They search buildings and open areas, track suspects that have fled from a crime scene and locate any evidence that a suspect leaves behind. Using their keen sense of smell, a bloodhound can search faster, safer, while using less manpower and more accurately than officers can alone.