A look inside the Texas DPS K-9 Training Program

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been making strides in expanding its K-9 training program, which focuses on turning inexperienced dogs into highly skilled units specializing in drug detection, explosives, and tracking. FOX recently had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous training process that transforms these dogs into valuable law enforcement assets.

Lt. Boyd Lamb, a 19-year DPS veteran and a member of the K-9 program for 12 years, gave FOX a tour of the training facility in Florence, Texas. He explained that the program starts with untrained dogs and transforms them into working machines capable of handling various tasks such as drug detection, explosive detection, and tracking. The training process is intensive, with each dog undergoing a pre-training phase lasting between six and 15 weeks before joining their handler for nine weeks of joint instruction.

The program prides itself on exposing the dogs to real-life scenarios, including controlled chaos situations like helicopter deployments. Lt. Lamb emphasized the importance of these experiences, stating that it prepares the dogs for any situation they may encounter while on duty. Currently, DPS has 74 K-9 teams statewide, including drug detection, explosive detection, and tracking teams that are deployed as part of Operation Lone Star, a state initiative aimed at stopping drug smuggling and unauthorized border crossings.

One particular K-9 handler, Landon Ravun stationed in Del Rio, shared his experience with his partner, Bona, during a mission last summer where they tracked down a fugitive wanted for murder. The success of this mission highlighted the critical role that K-9 units play in law enforcement operations. In addition to border enforcement and drug detection, the DPS K-9 program has also been instrumental in search-and-rescue missions, such as locating a special needs man who had wandered away and needed immediate assistance.

The bond between the handler and the dog is a crucial aspect of the program, with the dogs becoming a part of the handler’s family. Lt. Lamb shared a personal story about his own dog, emphasizing the strong connection that develops between the two. With ongoing expansion efforts, DPS aims to further integrate K-9 units into operations across Texas, ensuring that law enforcement has highly trained dogs ready for any mission.

The DPS K-9 program is a testament to the dedication and hard work of both the handlers and their canine partners. Through rigorous training and real-life experiences, these dogs are transformed into valuable assets that play a vital role in keeping communities safe. As the program continues to grow, it will undoubtedly make a significant impact in law enforcement efforts across the state of Texas.