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.

Lobo Day! Tuesday Dec. 13th Official Proclamation

Today Mayor Mathews proclaimed December 13th as "Lobo Day". SCPD Officer Saul Rodriguez and his K-9 Lobo received the proclamation in honor for their years of service to the City of Santa Cruz as our K-9 team.

SCPD is also announcing the retirement of Police K-9 “Lobo” from its ranks.

Lobo is a black and tan German Shepherd, and is trained in patrol work, tracking, and narcotic detection.

After 5 years of service, and over 250 arrests to his credit, Lobo will be ending his service for City of Santa Cruz and its citizens.

Lobo leaves behind a legacy that includes: numerous drug seizures, and criminal apprehensions.

SCPD service dogs are partnered with a human handler to form a K-9 unit. Officer Rodriguez has been Lobo’s handler and full time caretaker since the beginning of his career at SCPD. Lobo will retire to Officer Rodriguez’s home, and live out his days enjoying his family there. 

Lobo is thankful for the relationships he has made with many of the community members who have attended one of his many public demonstrations.

$10 Donation Gets This Cute & Cuddly K-9 Companion and Supports SCPD K-9 Unit

Perfect for holiday gift-giving!

The stuffed likeness of the adorable police dog comes complete with customized protective vests, just like our K-9 officers.

These huggable K-9’s are available for a $10 donation at the front desk of the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Proceeds from the sale of SCPD mini fluffy K-9’s help offset incidental costs associated with caring for SCPD's working K-9s.

Your tax-deductible donations will be put towards:
· Funding of replacement K-9’s
· Supplemental funding of community education
· Purchasing protective equipment
· Funding specialized K-9 schools
· Funding of medical expenses for retired K-9’s
· Defraying K-9 burial or cremation costs
· Health insurance for current K-9’s

Anyone interested in purchasing an adorable stuffed K-9 for a $10 donation, please come to the SCPD Lobby at 155 Center Street. Lobby open Monday - Thursday 9 am - 4 pm.

Thank you to local veterinarian Dave Shuman, this fundraiser originated with a generous sponsorship from Westside Animal Hospital.

Thanks for Donations to Support SCPD K-9 Program

Two years ago the Santa Cruz Police Departments K9 Unit began a fundraising campaign for its Police K9 Unit.  The fundraising effort was based on the gracious donation to the K9 Unit by local Veterinarian, Dr. David Shuman of the Westside Animal Hospital in Santa Cruz. These tax deductible proceeds from the purchases go towards:

• Funding of replacement K9′s
• Supplemental funding of community education
• Purchasing protective K9 equipment
• Funding specialized K9 schools
• Funding of medical expenses for retired K9’s
• Defraying K9 burial or cremation costs
• Health Insurance for current K9’s

Recently the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary graciously donated $500.00 to the Santa Cruz Police K9 Fund.

With the holiday season around the corner, the Santa Cruz Police Department's K9 Unit wants to remind community members the $10.00 purchase of these stuffed toys are tax deductible and available for purchase at the front desk of the Santa Cruz Police Department, or you can request one from Lt. Warren Barry.  If there are any questions please feel free to contact Lt. Warren Barry (wbarry@cityofsantacruz.com).