Texas DPS Graduates New K-9 Teams for Narcotics and Explosives Detection

The new K-9 teams will deploy across the state to enhance public safety and law enforcement efforts.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police K-9's nose and muzzle, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, capturing the intense focus and determination of the dog.DPS K-9 teams demonstrate their unwavering dedication to public safety, using their keen senses and specialized training to detect threats and support law enforcement efforts across Texas.Brady Today

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has graduated nine new K-9 teams and four certified K-9 Tech Trainers, who will now deploy across the state. The K-9 teams are trained in narcotics and explosives detection, as well as tracking operations, to support DPS' mission of protecting and serving the people of Texas.

Why it matters

DPS' K-9 program is one of the nation's top programs, with 101 personnel including 88 handlers. These new teams will bolster DPS' capabilities in detecting drugs, explosives, and tracking fugitives, enhancing public safety and law enforcement efforts across Texas.

The details

The new K-9 teams completed a rigorous nine-week training program, with six weeks of pre-training solely for the K-9s. The training was conducted by highly experienced K-9 trainers, who shaped the handlers and their K-9 partners into cohesive, effective teams. The program includes five narcotics detection teams and three explosives detection teams, as well as two individuals earning certification as K-9 Tech Trainers.

  • The new K-9 teams graduated today, April 17, 2026.
  • DPS houses one of the nation's top K-9 programs, consisting of 101 personnel, including 88 handlers.

The players

Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee

The chief of the Texas Highway Patrol, who oversees the DPS K-9 program and praised the new teams for their dedication and courage in enhancing public safety.

Trooper Brady Koveleskie

One of the new narcotics detection K-9 handlers, paired with K-9 Cloak.

Corporal David Clayton

One of the new certified K-9 Tech Trainers, responsible for leading the initial six weeks of pre-training for the K-9s.

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What they’re saying

“Our K-9 teams are an integral part of DPS and play a vital role in our mission to protect and serve the people of Texas. Whether they are detecting explosives, tracking fugitives or uncovering drugs, these dogs and their handlers demonstrate extraordinary dedication and courage every day.”

— Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee

What’s next

The new K-9 teams will now deploy across Texas to support DPS' law enforcement efforts, including narcotics and explosives detection, as well as tracking operations.

The takeaway

DPS' investment in its K-9 program demonstrates its commitment to enhancing public safety and law enforcement capabilities across the state of Texas. These new teams will play a critical role in disrupting criminal activity, protecting communities, and keeping Texas safe.