NDHP K-9 Narcotic-Detecting Handlers
NDHP K-9 Mantrailing Handlers
The North Dakota Highway Patrol’s K9 program benefits not only the NDHP, but numerous other agencies in North Dakota. Since the program began in 1994, it has evolved from one dual purpose K-9 team to 7 narcotic detector teams and 4 mantrailing teams.
The narcotic detectors are primarily Belgian Malinois or German Shepherds and the mantrailing canines are Bloodhounds. Each canine is paired with a designated handler and all train and work in their respective specialty.
NDHP K9s live with their handler and quickly become a part of the handler’s family when not working. These dogs are all high drive, high energy, and are ready to go to work every day.
These teams are stationed at various locations in the state and are ready to respond whenever called.
Narcotic Detector Teams complete approximately eight weeks of training and upon certification work to seek out drug couriers, assist local law enforcement agencies, search for illegal substances in schools, and help educate others about the danger of drug use. Watch a video of Trooper Schatz explaining her work with K9 Tara.
Mantrailing canines begin their learning at a young age and naturally progress to trailing/tracking. Upon certification, mantrailing teams assist local law enforcement agencies as well as local search and rescue teams. They respond to calls for lost or missing persons and also search for fleeing suspects or suspects who have left the scene of a crime. Learn more.
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Trooper Nathan Boll and Casey, a narcotics detecting K9, are part of the Criminal Interdiction Division and serve the northeast and southeast regions.
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Trooper Steve Clark and Kota, a narcotics detecting K9, serve the southwest region.
Trooper Cody Harstad and Tank, a mantrailing K9, serve the northeast and southeast regions.
Trooper Nevon Heisler and Judge, a mantrailing K9, serve the northeast and southeast regions. Judge is the newest addition to the K9 program.
Photo courtesy Toryn Jones
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Trooper Gabe Irvis and K9 Lasta are part of the Criminal Interdiction Division, and serve within the southeast region.
Trooper Steve Mayer and Bleu, a mantrailing K9, serve the northwest and southwest regions.
Trooper Tucker McDonald and K9 Lorace, a mantrailing K9 (in training), will serve the northwest region.
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Trooper Brett Mlynar and K9 Huck are part of the Criminal Interdiction Division, and serve within the northeast region.
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Trooper Josh Page and K9 Rico are part of the Criminal Interdiction Division, and serve within the southwest region.
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Trooper Chelsey Schatz and Tara, a narcotics detecting K9, serve the northwest region.
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