K-9

The K-9 Detection Program became operational in November 2005. The team consists of K-9 Officer Brett Barker and his partner Gert, a Belgian Malinois. Its mission is to provide drug detection capabilities and aid in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of probationers or wards engaged in illegal drug activities. In addition to conducting numerous probation searches, the team has also provided assistance to other law enforcement agencies including the Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriffs Department and the Kern High School Police Department. The K-9 Team has alerted to the odors of numerous narcotics which resulted in the seizure of ¼ pound of heroin, over 13 pounds of cocaine, 3.5 pounds of crack cocaine, over 10.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, and over 60 pounds of marijuana. The K-9 Team has also won numerous awards in K-9 Competitions in Obedience, Agility, Narcotics Detection, Area Searches, and Handler Protection. In addition to Gert, the Probation Department has plans to expand this program within the future.