GPD K-9 unit resumes regular duty

Gainesville Police Department building
Photo by Seth Johnson

The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) K-9 unit returned to regular duty on Friday.

In a GPD press release sent Monday, the unit resumed duty after being moved to patrol duty on Jan. 9.

The unit has gone through scrutiny highlighted by a July 10, 2022, incident surrounding a traffic stop of Terrell Bradley that led to a foot chase and a K-9 related injury that cost Bradley his right eye, along with other injuries.

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At a Sept. 8 press conference, GPD Chief Lonnie Scott released information about Bradley’s arrest saying that the K-9 officer that tracked down Bradley followed department policy and industry standards.

A Gainesville City Commission special meeting on Nov. 16 discussed the use of police dogs and examined potential changes to the K-9 unit.

Photo by Seth Johnson GPD Police Chief Lonnie Scott speaks at a Sept. 8, 2022, press conference on the Terrell Bradley apprehension.

Currently, the K-9 unit is composed of two handlers and their dogs. They include Sgt. Dylan Hayes-Morrison and his K-9, Ares, and Corp. Casey Walsh and his K-9, Stern. The team will return to duty and be available for call-outs, as determined by the shift commander, according to a GPD press release.

The K-9 Unit was recently restructured due to changes of assignments, along with the retirement of K-9 Roo who aged out of active service.

“Acting Sergeant Hayes-Morrison and Corporal Walsh have demonstrated perseverance throughout this transition convincing me that their willingness to endure the internal and external scrutiny is equal to their determination to operate a K-9 Unit that gains and maintains the public’s trust,” said Scott in the release. “We are dedicated to the future of the K-9 Unit, and the safety of our employees and neighbors. With all that said, I’m proud to return the K-9 Unit to regular duty status. I have every confidence that they will not only maintain but exceed the standard of service that has long been established by the GPD K-9 Unit.”

On Monday, GPD announced available positions with the K-9 Unit. Five candidates are ready to participate in a March selection process with successful candidates to represent the next era of the GPD K-9 Unit.

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