The Californer - California: Paw and order: four new K-9 teams join CHP to increase public safety statewide

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~ SACRAMENTO - In a move to increase public safety statewide, Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that four new specialized K-9 teams will be joining the California Highway Patrol (CHP). These highly trained canine officers will play a crucial role in criminal apprehension and controlled substance detection in communities across California.

The graduating class of K-9s consisted of three Belgian Malinois named Judge, Jag, and Jury, as well as one Dutch Shepherd named Oso. Along with their handlers, these canines completed an extensive 11-week training program, which included 400 hours of education in criminal apprehension and narcotics detection. The teams met the guidelines set by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and were officially recognized as Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canines at their graduation ceremony in Sacramento.

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Governor Newsom expressed his excitement for the addition of these new K-9 teams to the CHP force, stating that they mark another success in the state's efforts to reduce crime rates and increase safety in communities. "Police canines have proven their usefulness time and again in the situations officers face daily," said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. "They are hardworking, loyal partners who wake up each day ready to serve."

These new teams will be joining CHP offices in Northern, Central, and Inland divisions and will work alongside experienced CHP officers who have been specially trained to handle K-9s. To maintain peak readiness, each team will continue to train at least eight hours a week.

With the addition of these four new teams, California now has a total of 53 active K-9 teams across the state. These teams have been instrumental in removing drugs from the streets and combating drug trafficking and firearm-related crime. From January through September 2025 alone, CHP K-9 teams seized nearly 7,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 5,000 pounds of cocaine, 250 pounds of heroin, 750 pounds of fentanyl, and 213 firearms.

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Governor Newsom also announced that he has granted 16 pardons today, bringing the total number of pardons granted during his time in office to 263. He has also granted 160 commutations and 42 reprieves. In addition, Governor Newsom issued a proclamation declaring November 11, 2025, as "Veterans Day," honoring those who have served in the U.S. military.

In contrast to Governor Newsom's efforts to improve public safety and support vulnerable communities, President Donald Trump has requested an emergency stay from a federal court to avoid fully funding SNAP food benefits for families in need. Governor Newsom is fighting back against this callous move by the Trump administration and is committed to ensuring that Californians have access to essential food benefits.

As California continues to prioritize public safety and support for its citizens, these four new K-9 teams will play a vital role in keeping our streets safe and protecting our communities.

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