ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Teamwork and commitment are two words that represent the working relationships between Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, and local community partners.
Exemplifying this collaboration is the relationship between the Military Working Dogs and dog handlers from the 78th Security Forces Squadron and their Warner Robins Police Department K-9 Unit counterparts.
“Numerous times we've relied on them to come out and help us,” said WRPD Sgt. Casey Mullins, Proactive Crime Enforcement K-9 Unit training supervisor. “But on the same token, they've called us frequently to go out there, and we run sweeps of hangars, work areas, barracks- you name it. We've taken our narcotics dogs out there and done sweeps for them, too.”
“If anything happens on base or is carried off base, we can assist each other,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon Mitchell, 78th SFS kennel master. "If it’s something that happens offsite, we can assist, as long as it’s been approved by our legal team. We can assist in situations like explosive detections, when needed.”
A major component of this partnership is focused, combined training evolutions between WRPD and 78th SFS, which aims to enhance handler readiness and canine tactical skills in various areas, including scouting, tracking and explosive detection.
“One of the key benefits of this collaboration is the exposure of military working dogs to new human scents, which helps improve their tracking abilities,” Mitchell said.
Conducted at the Pave Phased Array Warning System training site at Robins AFB, WRPD K-9 dogs and personnel are able to utilize the base facility for training, including areas with explosives, which they may not have access to otherwise.
“This building is also designed for human scent detection, light bite work and room clearance,” said Staff Sgt. Kyle Grant, 78th SFS kennel master. “It’s also spacious enough to accommodate the numerous multi-agency training evolutions we conduct yearly.”
For scent detection, different types of drugs - such as marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines - are hidden on the exteriors of the vehicles and then the dogs are allowed to take turns attempting to sniff out the scent and locate the narcotics.
"We have six full-service dogs,” said Mullins, who took over as the K9 training supervisor in 2019. “When we train with the base, it actually increases our capabilities, making our dogs sharper and able to find what we're looking for."
For the K-9s, the training may resemble a game, but the skills are invaluable when the dogs are called into action. Having the chance to train side by side with one another allows them and the K-9s to be better prepared in the line of duty.
“Our dogs are primarily used for scent detection tools, whether it be contraband or human scent, to be used to locate narcotics, explosives, locating evidence, missing persons or suspects.” said Mullins. “For our explosive dog teams, having that experience with explosives helps them be better prepared for other situations where explosive detection might be necessary.”
Mullins added that the department is planning to add another bomb dog to their unit, which will further enhance their explosive detection capabilities.
Another benefit for the WRPD officers has been learning some of the military scouting or tracking techniques from Robins MWDs and their handlers.
Mitchell emphasized that consistent practical applications like these allow both parties to learn from each other and share their expertise, with the goal of building a stronger relationship between the two forces and improving their skills.
The 78th SFS benefits from the ability to test their narcotic dogs' noses against drugs confiscated on by WRPD the streets surrounding the base. "We are using their stuff today so our dogs can get accustomed to what comes off the street," Michell said.
After working on narcotic detection, the handlers and the dogs switched gears and worked at the 78th SFS kennel, where the K-9s tested their skills on the confidence course and practiced their attack and bite skills.
"The confidence course builds the dog’s ability to jump over obstacles - such as jumping through windows - and to be able to travel narrow crossings," Grant said “It helps them build confidence so if they come across it, they'll be ready."
Another crucial aspect in the shared law enforcement community is suspect engagement and interactions. To minimize potential injury to responders, canines are released to apprehend suspects should they exhibit signs of resistance or malice. Bite training teaches the dog to attack on command. If their handler instructs them, they will bite and hold a subject until called upon by their handler to release the subject.
"If you don't fight them, they are just going to hold you, but if you fight, they are going to bite harder and harder until you stop fighting," Mitchell said.
Mullins highlighted the origins of the WRPD unit and the changes that have been implemented due to a growing population and the coordination with Robins AFB.
“Back in 1995, we had one handler, Scott Webb,” said Mullins. “Having only one dog, he reached out to the base, and they began working together.”
"These joint training evolutions with local law enforcement are also a great way to develop a stronger relationship with the community,” Mitchell said. “We're not just training for our own benefit. We want to be able to assist each other in case of an emergency."
The success of this partnership has formed a measurable and lasting effective collaboration, stressing the importance of building strong relationships between different agencies and a positive impact on the community they serve.
"It's a mutually collaborative effort that greatly benefits the community at large,” said Mullins. “We're not just looking out for ourselves, but also for the safety and well-being of the people we serve."
Along with training with the WRPD, the 78th SFS Military Working Dog unit also trains with the Gray Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff Department and many other law enforcement agencies throughout the year.
"We're building a relationship with the community, and that's what it's all about,” said Mitchell. “We want to be able to help each other and work together to keep our community safe."