SCPD is pleased to announce its two new K9 Teams!

Officer Hansen and his K9 partner “Cash” & Officer Hernandez and his partner “Luna”

Both Teams recently graduated from their month long K9 Handler Patrol Course, and will begin working the streets in December 2016. Each K9 teams received training in the following:
· Area & building searches
· Handler protection & apprehension
· Article searches & tracking/trailing
· Narcotic detection.

After the K9 Patrol course both the handler and their K9 partner were certified by an evaluator prior to work in the field.

“Cash” is a 2 year old male Belgian Malinois and “Luna” is a 2 year old female Dutch Shepard. Both K9s have been imported from overseas, and in October 2016, the K9’s were introduced and moved in with their handlers. After the bonding period both teams began the K9 Patrol Course and are now certified K9 Teams.

The City of Santa Cruz community’s appreciation and gratitude extended to the Santa Cruz Police Department’s K9 Unit has been nothing short of extraordinary. Police K9 “Cash” was purchased through a community member’s donation of $8,500.00. The City of Santa Cruz resident, who wished to remain anonymous, donated the money in memory of their child.

When asked about such a gracious offer, they replied, “It’s an honor to memorialize my late son, while helping provide support that protects our officers and community.” The donor was allowed to name the K9, and they chose the name “Cash” upon their first meeting. The Santa Cruz Police Department is grateful for the community’s participation in its K9 Unit.

The Santa Cruz Police K9 Unit has had a long successful history in enhancing our police services. Our K9 Unit is primarily used for locating people, contraband and apprehending criminal offenders.

Congratulations to K9’s Cash and Luna.