COLORADO, USA — Colorado State Patrol announced Tuesday that they have a new addition to their executive security branch: Gunner, an 18-month-old dog from Washington.
While CSP has used dogs that are trained in narcotic detection for years, Gunner is different. He is trained in the detection of explosives, firearms and shell casings.
Gunner joins the team with Scout, a veteran canine with CSP since July 2021. Gunner is the third explosive detection dog to have worked with CSP.
The dogs will be used mostly for explosive detection at the Colorado State Capitol complex, but they will still go around the state to assist in security and investigations when needed.
"A detection dog’s main mission is to protect human life. Ensuring the highest levels of security for visitors and employees at and around the Capitol is of the utmost concern for our troopers and security personnel,” said Colonel Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “These working dogs are incredibly skillful and obedient, providing us with a unique resource to protect a peaceful event or environment.”
The canine was required to pass a dog's version of a background check to ensure he could be trained and would be healthy to work for years.