Metro News Release

For immediate release: June 21, 2006

Metro Transit Police strengthen canine force

The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) has strengthened its canine force with the addition of both explosive-detection and patrol dogs this spring.

Police dogs provide an important element in MTPD’s multi-layered security efforts. Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell and can be trained to sniff for a variety of substances, including explosives and narcotics. Police dogs also can be trained to track the scents of suspects who may be hiding or fleeing police.

Earlier this spring, Officers Greg Novotny and Jeff Johnson completed a 10-week training program in Texas with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Last year, the TSA selected Metro as one of the agencies to participate in its new National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, specifically for mass transit systems. The TSA provides MTPD with the dogs, training, yearly evaluations and partial reimbursement to cover costs associated with the program.

Bomb dogs learn to detect explosive substances. Along with their handlers, bomb dogs conduct routine security sweeps of Metro property and respond to specific incidents where suspicious items are reported. MTPD has the ability to train bomb-detection dogs and in addition to training members of its own K9 squad, has trained officers and dogs from local police agencies in the region.

In May, the MTPD’s K9 team gained its first female dog handler. Officer Tia Spencer-Patterson and her dog, Morgan, completed training with the US Park Police patrol canine school. Officer Paul Ludwig also completed the patrol dog training.

Patrol dogs receive training in tracking, apprehension and evidence recovery. K9 patrol teams often are called into chase and/or track subjects, find evidence, and track missing or lost people.

News release issued on June 21, 2006.