El Paso City Council proclamation honors vital role of Police Department's Patrol K-9 Unit

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — On Wednesday, Jan. 3, the City of El Paso officially recognized the vital role that the El Paso Police Department's Patrol K-9 Unit plays in protecting the community.

El Paso City Council's Proclamation on Wednesday honored the 10-person team that makes up EPPD's Patrol K-9 Unit.

According to Sgt. Jesus Melendez, the unit is made up of two sergeants and eight officers who are on call 24 hours a day, assisting patrols with everything from searching buildings, residences and vehicles to tracking people and conducting area sweeps.

"This is a very crucial unit since we can support any element of the department, anybody that needs our assistance," said Melendez.

Melendez said that while "nothing is 100 percent," when it comes to searching for narcotics or a wanted subject, chances of success are increased by utilizing the dogs, which "bring so much to the department and assist the officers."

Likewise, Melendez said that using K-9 units increases the safety of not only the officers but also the subjects that they are looking for.

As with any co-worker, the bond and trust between the officer and their dog needs to be strong, which is why the officers keep their dogs at home much like a pet.

Between the K-9 and the officer, it's a great partnership. You go through 21 weeks of training together for the narcotics center patrol function," said Melendez. "They do live with us, so the K-9 is part of your family, part of your park; you're around that dog so much, and whatever happens to the dog affects you greatly.