Fulton County, Georgia – Fulton County Schools (FCS) has brought three Labrador Retrievers to their police department in a major step to increase campus security. The newest recruits, 18-month-old Delilah, Ducky, and Ernie, are taught to identify firearms and assist in students’ safety.
The inclusion of these K9 agents symbolizes a significant turning point in the district’s attempts to keep a safe environment. Training commenced on February 3, under the guidance of Daniel McAfee from Global K9 Protection Group, an Alabama-based training organization. Along with their handlers, Officers Broderick Cleveland, Jerry Robinson, and Sean Hanse are undergoing through a rigorous six-week training program meant to improve their abilities to operate in a school environment.
Held at several campuses around the district, the training courses not only teach the dogs weapon detection but also help them become accustomed to the daily classroom where they will ultimately be serving. The special feature of their training is the reward system: instead of sweets, these dogs are driven by playtime with a ball, a technique aimed at developing a positive relationship with their handlers.
The Fulton County Board of Education recently introduced the canine team, highlighting their roles in the safety initiatives at schools. The dogs are not only trained for security. They are supposed to be approachable, thus allowing students to interact with them and serve dual purposes as security guards and friendly campus characters.
Funded by the General Fund of the district, the initiative also comprises customized K9 vehicles with cutting-edge technologies including remote kill switches, heating and cooling systems, and other safety procedures to guarantee the welfare of these furry officers.
The K9 units will be daily deployed over the district after their training is finished. Their responsibilities will range from random security checks across school grounds to helping with student screenings utilizing Fulton’s Evolv system—a mobile artificial intelligence-based tool that detects weapons.
FCS Police Chief Mark Sulborski shared his hopes for the program, saying, “I’m looking forward to bringing a greater visibility of Fulton’s safety program, the work we do, and keeping dangerous behavior at bay and the community safe. It’s just more tools in the toolbox.”
K9 unit deployment in schools follows a larger trend toward improving security policies in learning environments. The program of Fulton County shows a proactive attitude to guarantee safety and also promotes a comfortable environment fit for growth and education.
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The district wants to not only deter potential threats but also reassure parents, staff, and youngsters about their dedication to safety with these additional team members.
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