Pets
VIPD Welcomes Three New K9 Officers
The new dogs will revitalization the K9 Corps in the St. Thomas/St. John District and was funded by a donation from Southland Gaming.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Police Department welcomed three new K9 officers this month, reviving the Canine Corps.
The dogs came from Southern Coast K9 in Orlando, Florida, where they received extensive training. According to its website, Southern Coast K9 trains dogs for law enforcement and the military.
As the newest members of the VIPD, the K9 officers will specialize in drug, gun and explosive detection. They are paired with human police officers, who have also undergone specific training to be K9-handlers. Those officers had to apply to be part of the Canine Corps and were selected though an internal revue process. When they are off-duty, the dogs will reside with their handlers.
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In April, executives from Southland Gaming donated $43,000 to the VIPD to revitalize the K9 program. Assistant Police Commissioner Mario M. Brooks was effusive in sharing his gratitude to Southland Gaming, stating, “Promise made, promise kept. This is a clear indication that Southland Gaming supports not only the men and women of the VIPD, but the community on a whole. We look forward to our continued partnership with Southland Gaming.”
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