Texas DPS Graduates Elite New K-9 Teams and Trainers

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Department of Public Safety announced the graduation of two new K-9 teams and three certified K-9 Tech Trainers. These teams will serve as a critical resource in enhancing public safety, supporting narcotics detection, tracking operations and broader law enforcement efforts across Texas.

“Our K-9 teams and trainers play an essential role in protecting our communities,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “Their unmatched expertise and dedication strengthen our ability to detect threats, track suspects, and provide critical support —not just along the border, but in every region of Texas. These teams are a multifaceted resource that enhances public safety wherever they are deployed.”

According to a press release, the DPS K-9 program, one of the largest and most respected in the nation, now consists of 90 personnel, including 78 handlers and a mix of 54 narcotics detection, 10 explosives detection, and 14 tracking K-9s. The teams include a diverse range of breeds, including German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, and a Vizsla.

The graduating teams completed a tough nine-week training program, with six weeks of specialized pre-training just for the K-9s. This intense training helps ensure that DPS K-9 teams are among the best in the country, ready to handle real-world situations where quick, effective action is needed. The teams are guided by DPS’s skilled K-9 trainers, who bring years of experience in both K-9 behavior and tactical operations.

Newly Certified K-9 Tech Trainers

The ceremony also celebrated the certification of three new K-9 Tech Trainers. To earn their certification, these individuals completed 250 hours of specialized training and became TCOLE-approved instructors. They play a crucial role in shaping future K-9 teams, leading the six weeks of pre-training and guiding both handlers and dogs through daily lessons to ensure each team is fully prepared for the field.

K-9 Narcotics Detection Team

One of the graduating teams was trained in narcotics detection. K-9 Rula is skilled at sniffing out a wide range of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Her training prepares her for high-pressure situations like vehicle searches, package inspections, and large criminal investigations. Partnered with her handler, Rula will play a key role in disrupting drug trafficking operations and helping keep dangerous substances off the streets of Texas.

K-9 Tracking Team

Another team completed training in advanced tracking, which is vital for locating missing persons and fugitives. K-9 Zita is trained to follow human scent over long distances and through tough environments like deserts, brush, urban areas, and waterways. With a record 16-mile track under her belt, Zita’s impressive tracking abilities will be crucial in search and rescue missions and high-pressure law enforcement operations.

Comprehensive Training for Handlers and K-9s

Along with their specialized skills, the K-9 teams and their handlers also undergo comprehensive training in K-9 health and medical care to keep the dogs safe and healthy in tough conditions. This preparation ensures the teams are ready to handle any challenge, making them highly skilled and effective in protecting communities across Texas.

With these new teams now in action, DPS reinforces its commitment to public safety. It relies on its top-tier K-9 program to help protect communities across Texas.