Patrol dogs are being phased out in Delaware prisons in favor of drug sniffers

Delaware’s prisons are phasing out patrol dogs in favor of contraband sniffers, according to a May 30 announcement from the Delaware Department of Correction.

The department issued a press release stating it is transitioning its aggressive “security and patrol” K-9 units out and will only employ dogs to hunt for drugs, tobacco products and electronics contraband within the state’s four lockup facilities.

In a written statement, department Commissioner Terra Taylor said the change is a response to the threat of illegal and dangerous contraband. She added that it aligns better with national practice.

The department’s announcement states the change will increase its ability to detect contraband, reduce the threat of drug overdose and enhance the deterrent effect contraband sniffers have in facilities.

There will also be a modest cost savings because gentler contraband dogs require fewer home-kenneling protections than aggressive security dogs, according to the announcement.

In the past year, the prison system also controversially routed all incoming mail through Las Vegas in an effort to reduce contraband and has seen State Police accuse a correction officer of introducing drugs into the prison only to drop the charges shortly after.

Mail detour: Why letters to Delaware inmates will now be routed through Las Vegas, delaying delivery

Who let the dogs in?

The state’s prison system currently has 28 K-9 teams, consisting of a dog and an officer handler. Of those, 18 are assigned to “patrol and security” duties and 10 to contraband detection.

The change will mean the department is replacing all of its patrol dogs. These dogs are bred and trained to be aggressive. They are typically German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois.

They are used as what the department described as a “physical stand-off deterrent” while people in prison are being moved or in facilities outside perimeter patrols, according to the news release. Department policy also states that they are to be used for “riot control.”

In a written response to questions, a spokesperson for the department said such dogs could be “deployed” for a “biting grasp to gain compliance,” but that has not happened.

People in prison have also said that they are used to intimidate and sometimes harass inmates.

In its press release, the department said the prison has historically sought to mitigate accidental bites by using them in “open prison areas” and at a distance from people locked up, staff and visitors.

Conversely, contraband detection dogs are bred to be gentle and social. They are typically German Shorthaired Pointers and Labrador Retrievers. They are used in high-traffic areas to sniff out narcotics as well as electronic contraband like cell phones.

Prison dogs are also used to track escapees, according to department policy. They are typically home-boarded by their officer handler.

Recent: Prison officer charged with drug smuggling said meth was planted on her. She wasn’t lying

What happens to the retiring dogs?

Delaware prisons’ patrol dogs are being transitioned out primarily through what the department described as “natural attrition” as they reach retirement age. Two young patrol dogs were also recently swapped for contraband sniffers, the department said.

Retired prison dogs are typically adopted by families selected by the department. Department policy states that “in most cases” the handler will be given the opportunity to adopt the retiring dog, but that the warden of the prison where the dog is assigned has ultimate authority over the dog’s future.

In a written statement, a spokesperson said the department conducts a screening of those considered for adopting a retiring dog that includes their experience with dogs, the home environment and their ability to provide long-term care. Preference is given to those with established relationships with the dog, the spokesperson said.

The state also helps pay for their care. In 2023, the Delaware General Assembly passed a law that allows owners of retired law-enforcement dogs to be reimbursed $1,500 annually for veterinary care expenses. The bill covers dogs that retire after its 2023 implementation.

The department said the transition has already begun and will continue over the next year.

From 2023: Former correctional officer charged with leaving K-9 in deadly hot car at state prison

Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com.

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