What a good boy.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office held a special ceremony to introduce their newest corrections officer, K9 “Sato,” at the Yaphank Correctional Facility on Wednesday, May 28th.
A 2-year-old German Shepherd trained in narcotics detection, Sato has been assigned to both the Yaphank and Riverhead Correctional Facilities.
Though he obviously could not speak on his own behalf, his colleagues’ confidences more than confirm Sato's qualifications as a point-pup for all things safety and security maintenance.
“The K9s are important members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon,“helping to not only protect our facilities and staff but also serving as a deterrent to those trying to smuggle illicit items into the jails.”
Sato received his formal training in the Narcotics Detection unit with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department before making the trek over to Suffolk. He is tasked with conducting searches of inmate housing units and monitoring visitation hours.
What’s more: Sato is just the most recent paw-patrolling addition to the team. The Sheriff’s Office intends to further expand its K9 program with a fourth corrections dog this summer.
This was made possible by a grant from the United States Police Canine Association.
Visit www.suffolksheriff.com for updates.