K9 unit returns to Blue Earth County
After 10 years the unit makes a comeback
BLUE EARTH COUNTY, Minn. (KEYC) - The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office introduced a K9 unit in early March and now five months later the two dogs are excelling in the field.
“He did really well. He was excited to get out. He showed some behavior changes, and they did find some drug peripheral in the vehicle. So, he did very well.”
The German Shepherds, Murphy and Jocko, are trained in apprehension, narcotics, evidence location and tracking for 14 weeks before they begin going out into the field.
“You start from very simple, and you just kind of add a little bit to it as you went, just to progress as a dog gets better, you add a little more to it.”
The training covers a little bit of everything the dogs might work in such as an urban mall or street chase.
“So that way, when we’re out in the field, if something happens, it’s nothing to them. They’re just like, oh, that’s just another day.”
The dogs work closely with their handlers on and off assignments, even staying with them after work hours.
“It’s kind of cool, because you bring them home, they’re your family dog. They hang out with you. They hang with family, like I said, they’re very social dogs. And then the cool thing is, wake up in the morning you get to go to work with them.”
On average, dogs in K9 units work for six to eight years. While Murphy and Jocko are just starting, once they are ready to retire the plan is for them to remain with their handlers.
“You build that special bond that entire time through your career. You know you’re working together every day; you’re seeing each other every day. So, I mean, it’s easier for the dog. Obviously, it makes them happy in the handler, it’d be really hard to just let the dog go”
For now, the K9 unit will only include Murphy and Jocko, but should a need arise, more dogs could be possible.
The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department enjoys working with Murphy and Jocko and looks forward to seeing all the work the two dogs will accomplish during their time at the Sheriff’s Department.
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