8-7-2018
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Your instinct may be to pet a dog you come across, but the State Patrol’s Homeland Security Division is asking people not to pet their K-9 partners when they are on the clock.
WSP Troopers and their K-9 partners are often seen screening vehicles boarding Washington State Ferries.
The State Patrol asks people to not pet or reach out to a working K-9 at any time without receiving permission from the handler.
K-9 partners are friendly, but they are working, and the handler’s job is to keep them focused on their search for explosive devices.
If a WSP K-9 is observed, keep hands, pets, and other items inside the vehicle to avoid a distraction.