Fairfax County, VA repurposes narcotic-sniffing dogs to detect weapons after cannabis legalization

Fairfax County, VA K-9 units retrained for gun detection

In Progress

The Fairfax County Police Department is retiring and retraining narcotic-sniffing dogs after the legalization of cannabis in the Commonwealth. These marijuana-sniffing K-9 units will be repurposed to detect weapons and shell casings in order to improve public safety by reducing gun violence. Through this new four-week program, the dogs are receiving odor imprinting training to recognize when a gun has been fired.

Public Safety Training & Development Emergency Services Cannabis

Fairfax County, VA

County in Virginia

United States

Newsworthy

EXCLUSIVE: Narcotic sniffing dogs in Virginia get new purpose

Several Virginia counties are giving their narcotic sniffing dogs a new job, now that they can no longer be used for seeking out marijuana.

Legalization of marijuana forcing some police K9s in Virginia to retire

Local law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth are taking a hit due to the legalization of marijuana, especially in their K9 departments.

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