The K-9 Program is designed to utilize police dogs and handlers in the application of building searches, suspect apprehension, and narcotics searches.  The K-9’s are designed to assist officers and create better officer safety.  The K-9 program also reduces the number of man hours used to search buildings and area containment. The teams train together on a weekly basis and have won numerous awards at local and statewide competitions.   

The Santa Paula Police Department’s K-9 was first started almost 40 years ago. The unit consists of two officers/handlers and their canine partners.  See their bio’s below.  The unit is overseen by a sergeant who is a former K-9 officer. 

Handlers and K-9s

Officer Wyatt Gates and K-9 Ace

K-9 “Ace" and handler, Officer Wyatt Gates, have been operating as a patrol team since March, 2018. K-9 “Ace” and Officer Gates completed patrol school and are trained in basic obedience, area/building searches, and suspect apprehension. K-9 “Ace” and Officer Gates are also certified in narcotics detection. K-9 “Ace” and Officer Gates train on a weekly basis to hone their skills as a team. K-9 “Ace” is an 8 year old German Shepard and came from Germany. All commands are given to K-9 “Ace” in German.

Officer van Hemert and K-9 Django

K-9 “Django” and his handler, Officer Heather van Hemert, have been operating in the K-9 assignment since September of 2017. After successfully completing a five week patrol school, which prepares officer and K-9 for patrol on the streets. Patrol school includes training in basic obedience, area searches and suspect apprehension. K-9 "Django" and Officer van Hemert also completed narcotics detection school which is a four week program and have been providing assistance to patrol in the detection of narcotics. K-9 “Django” and Officer van Hemert do weekly trainings to keep up on their skills, they also are constantly training on their days off. K-9 “Django” lives with Officer van Hemert 24/7 and they are always ready to go. K-9 “Django” is a 5 year old German Shephard that came from Germany in 2015 by our K-9 Trainer Daniel Inglis from Inglis Police Dog Academy. K-9 “Django” and Officer van Hemert have also competed on A&E Network show “America’s Top Dog”

Supporting the K-9 Program.

The K9 program is  funded by donations and your support would be sincerely appreciated. Costs include food, supplies and medical expenses for the dog, as well as ongoing training expenses, specialized equipment and the initial purchase price of the dog.  We would like to thank our generous community for their continued support of the Santa Paula Police K9 Team. Without you this program would be impossible. If you would like to help fund the K9 team, donations can be made payable to: The City of Santa Paula and mailed to 214 S. 10th St. Santa Paula, CA 93060. For questions about this program email: Support K-9 Program

The Patrol Division receives and responds to all calls for emergency services and provides front-line services such as responding to traffic collisions, disturbances, domestic violence incidents, crime reports, traffic enforcement, preventative policing, addressing quality of life issues, and investigation suspicious persons and vehicles.  

Teams

Patrol Operations consists of four patrol teams, two assigned alternating shifts at night (6 pm to 6 am) and two teams alternating during the day. Each Team is lead by a Watch Commander (a Police Sergeant) assisted by an Assistant Watch Commander (a Senior Police Officer). 

Staffing

Although minimum staffing on any shift can drop down as low as two officers and a supervisor, typically we staff the shift with at least three officers or more.

Reserve Program

The Reserve Program was established by the City of Santa Paula to develop highly trained officers who can provide additional resources for the Santa Paula Police Department. Reserve Officers can provide law enforcement services under both normal and emergency conditions.

Reserve Officers are appointed by the Chief of Police and serve under his supervision and direction. Officers have the same authority, liability coverage, and protection as regularly commissioned officers while acting under the authority of the Santa Paula Police Department. 

Joining the Reserve Program

If you are interested in joining the Santa Paula Police Department Reserve Program, contact Sergeant Walter Harper by email.