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The Border Patrol K9 Unit is a highly skilled and dedicated team that plays a crucial role in serving homeland security. These canine heroes are trained to detect narcotics, explosives, and other contraband, helping to keep our country safe.
Their keen sense of smell is unmatched, with some dogs able to detect scents that are 10,000 times weaker than what humans can detect. This incredible ability makes them invaluable assets in the fight against crime.
The Border Patrol K9 Unit is comprised of highly trained handlers and their canine partners, who work together to patrol our borders and prevent smuggling.
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Border Patrol K9 Unit
The CBP Canine Program is headquartered in El Paso, Texas and has two training delivery sites: the Border Patrol Canine (BPK9) Academy in El Paso, Texas and the Field Operations Canine (FOK9) Academy in Front Royal, Virginia.
The primary goal of the CBP Canine Program is terrorist detection and apprehension, making it a critical tool in the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect the homeland.
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The program also has a secondary goal of detecting and seizing controlled substances and other contraband.
The CBP Canine Program offers certified training based on numerous federal and internationally recognized standards, and provides formal training for various local, state, and federal agencies.
With more than 1,500 canine teams, the CBP Canine Program is the largest and most diverse law enforcement canine program in the country.
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K9's Send-off
Frankie, a 15-year-old US Border Patrol K9, received a hero's send-off thanks to Project K9 Hero, a national non-profit.
At 15 years old, Frankie had served as a certified narcotics and concealed human detection canine with the Border Patrol, assisting various agencies with 125 drug seizures.
K9 Frankie sniffed out marijuana, cocaine, and meth among other narcotics during her career.
After retirement, Frankie moved to Conroe, Texas to live out her remaining years with her handler and his family.
Frankie's end-of-life services were fully covered by Project K9 Hero, which started in 2016 and provides financial assistance to local, state, and federal service K9s after they retire.
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The non-profit currently has more than 700 applications for assistance and aims to take on a new K9 each week of the year.
Frankie's story stuck out to Project K9 Hero's founder, Jason Johnson, who wanted to honor her service and ensure she received the recognition she deserved.
Every hero in the Project K9 Hero program gets a custom portrait, which is a beautiful way for handlers and their families to cherish memories of their K9 companions.
Project K9 Hero also covers the costs of end-of-duty services, cremation, and more for their K9 heroes and their families.
Canine Program
The CBP Canine Program is headquartered in El Paso, Texas and has two training delivery sites: Border Patrol Canine (BPK9) Academy in El Paso, Texas and Field Operations Canine (FOK9) Academy in Front Royal, Virginia.
The primary goal of the CBP Canine Program is terrorist detection and apprehension. The working CBP canine team has become the best tool available to detect and apprehend persons attempting entry to organize, incite, and carry out acts of terrorism.
CBP maintains a breeding program to supplement the number of suitable dogs entering detection training for the CBP mission. Working and sporting breed dogs are whelped and cared for in a variety of approved housing facilities.
The CBP Canine Program has the responsibility of training canine instructors, canine handlers, and canines to assist CBP in its mission. With more than 1,500 canine teams, the CBP Canine Program is the largest and most diverse law enforcement canine program in the country.
A U.S. Border Patrol K9 based in Orlando has reached the end of her watch, and thanks to a national non-profit, she will be given a send-off worthy of her service. At 15 years old, "Frankie" had served as a certified narcotics and concealed human detection canine with the Border Patrol.
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Homeland Security Efforts
The Border Patrol K9 Unit plays a crucial role in homeland security efforts. Their highly trained dogs are capable of detecting narcotics, explosives, and other contraband.
The unit's K9s are trained to detect specific scents, such as cocaine and marijuana. They can also detect the presence of people, helping to prevent crossings.
The Border Patrol K9 Unit has a high success rate, with their dogs detecting over 60% of contraband seized at the border. This is a testament to the effectiveness of their training and the dedication of the handlers.
These dogs are not just limited to detecting contraband, they also assist in locating missing persons and tracking down suspects. Their keen sense of smell and agility make them invaluable assets to the unit.
The unit's K9s are trained to work in a variety of environments, from deserts to forests, and can operate in temperatures ranging from -20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This adaptability is crucial in the diverse terrain of the US-Mexico border.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do border patrol dogs sniff for?
Border patrol dogs are trained to detect concealed humans and a variety of controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Their keen sense of smell helps identify potential threats and aid in border security.
How much do border patrol dog handlers get paid?
Border Patrol Dog Handlers are paid between $12-$35 per hour, with varying rates depending on location and experience. Learn more about this rewarding and challenging career opportunity.
Who trains border patrol dogs?
The U.S. Border Patrol Canine Academy in El Paso, Texas trains border patrol dogs. The academy is expected to produce more new dog teams in 2024 than in 2023.
Sources
- https://www.dhs.gov/medialibrary/assets/images/6054
- https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/k9-with-u-s-border-patrol-gets-heros-send-off-after-years-of-service
- https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/canine-program
- https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/border-patrol-launches-support-canine-program
- https://www.newsweek.com/homeland-security-police-dogs-border-us-mexico-1869804
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