Escambia County Sheriff's Office K-9's Are Back

The Escambia County Sheriff's Office in Florida is letting the dogs out. The department announced the return of its K-9 unit in a news conference today, May 29, 2009. The unit had been suspended for four weeks after an investigation by the federal Department of Justice was announced. The Escambia County Sheriff says they've revamped the K-9 program by creating a direct supervisor and a more consistent use of the dogs. Officials would not comment on other specific complaints lodged by federal investigators. In a letter, federal investigators say they’re looking into allegations that the dogs were used improperly in some situations. The sheriff's office says K-9's are an essential tool.

“Their nose ability is so great that we're able to seize a lot of narcotics and find numerous criminals that run and hide from us, use it to find missing or endangered adults or children,” says Head Trainer Lieutenant Jason Potts. The unit has 13 dogs and handlers. There are plans to add three more to the force.