The Canine Division of the PISD Police Department was created in April, 1996, with the acquisition of a trained Belgian Malinois, "CEBA", and the selection of Officer Richard Phillips to become the first K-9 Officer with our Department.  "Ceba" was retired in November of 1997, after a distinguished career with our Department and the Pasadena Police Department. "Falco" replaced "Ceba" in 1997.   "Falco" is a Belgium Malanois.   His "police canine training was accomplished in Holland, and then he was shipped to Brousard, La., where training for narcotics detection was completed.  "Falco" also achieved proficiency in patrol duties, tracking, building searches and protection of his Officer-handler.  "Falco" was delivered to our Department in Nov. 1997, and served with distinction until his retirement in 2001.

Our Department currently is served by two K-9 units.  "Sabo" is a Labrador Retriever that is trained in explosive detection and is capable of detecting 14 different kinds of explosives.  "Sabo" received his basic training in the Czech Republic and was then transferred to WorldWide Canine, in Spring Branch, Texas, for completion of explosive detection.  Officer Jason Grice handles "Sabo".

Our second K-9 is also a German Shepherd named "Brutus".  "Brutus" is trained in narcotic detection and in the detection of black powder (component in weapon ammunition and pipe bombs).  "Brutus" also received his basic training in Holland and was transferred to Global Training Academy in San Antonio, Texas, for completion of his detection training.  "Brutus" is handled by Officer Richard Bagwell who has been with the PISD Police Department since 1994.

Both K-9 Units are equipped with state-of-the-art aluminum transport cages as well as "Cool Guard Systems" that monitors the internal temperature of the vehicle.  Should the internal temperature of the vehicle reach 79 degrees or higher, the system is designed to automatically lower the window and sends a pager signal to the handler.  One of the K-9 Units is equipped with a "Bail-out" system that allows the handler to open the door to the K-9 vehicle via remote control.  This is a safety feature that permits the handler to summon the K-9 if the Officer is disabled or involved in an affray.

Our vision for the utilization of the K-9 Division is somewhat similar with other K-9 Divisions in the articulated needs of Drug/Explosive device detection.  But, in addition to these general police needs, we wanted our canines to project positive images with the students and administration of the District -- canines that are very friendly and that are not perceived as threats.

Services provided by the K-9 Division include, but are not limited to:

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1515 Cherrybrook - Pasadena, Texas 77502