In brief respite from crime-fighting, police dog Otis to report for civilian duty

CESAR ARREDONDO

For nearly four years, K-9 Otis, an English springer spaniel, has been working busting drugs in South Gate. This month you may have a chance to meet the narcotics-detection dog in person.

Otis, South Gate's detective dog, poses next to confiscated drugs he helped to bust in May of 2023. Photo: SGPD Instagram

K-9 Otis and his handler Detective Mendez will be the stars of the upcoming Coffee With a Cop on Feb. 20 to be held at a local restaurant.

The event brings together the members of the police department and the public to discuss community issues and foster stronger relationships.

K-9 OTIS’S HISTORY IN SG

Detective Mendez and K-9 Otis have been working as a team since 2020, according to the SGPD website.

Dogs can be effective in policing, but not all law enforcement agencies have K-9 units due to cost and other factors.

South Gate has enjoyed a program since 1981, one of the longest-running in Southeast Los Angeles County, according to the police department.  K-9 Otis is among 13 dogs that have reportedly gone through the program's inception.

WHY USE DOGS IN POLICING?

Dogs bring something to crime-fighting that humans lack: a keen sense of hearing and smell. Also, they are faster and can overtake suspects and dangerous criminals running, helping to keep officers and residents safe.

In addition to crime-fighting, K-9s serve in other ways. They attend civilian functions like school visits, public education programs and other civilian tasks, just like K-9 Otis will do Feb. 20 for the Coffee With a Cop. The event will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Chick-fil-A, 5860 Firestone Blvd.