Lake Martin, Ala. —The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) was honored to participate in a contraband interdiction and recovery competition, graciously hosted by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). Select FDC Contraband Interdiction Unit (CIU) handlers and their K9 partners competed against 20 other elite teams from correctional agencies and sheriff’s offices across the southeastern United States. At the conclusion of the meticulously scored event, the FDC K9 handlers placed first overall and brought home the winning title.
“This victory is a testament to our entire Contraband Interdiction Unit’s dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman. “We are thankful to our partners from the Alabama DOC for hosting this event and providing a platform for our team to showcase their capabilities, while sharing best practices with other incredible teams from across the region. This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in our efforts to maintain secure and safe correctional facilities.”
The event included a series of high-pressure events—including vehicle and article searches, building and area searches, and tactical scenarios. These scenarios were designed by some of the most experienced K9 handlers in law enforcement, pushing both handlers and K9s to their limits.
“We are incredibly proud of the tireless dedication of our CIU captains who work nights, weekends, and holidays to detect, prevent, and recover dangerous contraband and illegal narcotics,” said Florida Department of Corrections Bureau of Intelligence Chief Eddie Jones. “The discoveries made by these teams not only improve the safety of our correctional institutions but often lead to a trail of criminal activity which results in arrests and criminal prosecutions. Affirming our position as a leader in the practice ensures public safety remains a top priority in Florida.
The FDC CIU Team plays a crucial role in our daily operations, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our institutions. Their responsibilities include conducting thorough searches for contraband, utilizing highly trained K9 units, and partnering with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate and prevent illegal activities within our facilities. This partnership with the OIG is instrumental in upholding the integrity and safety of our correctional system.
FDC remains committed to enhancing the safety and security of our institutions through rigorous training, innovative strategies, and strong partnerships. We congratulate our CIU team on their well-deserved victory and look forward to their continued success in safeguarding our correctional facilities.
Media Release & Image: Florida Department of Corrections
