Crime & Safety

Maryland State Police K-9's Graduate From Academy in Sykesville

Four bloodhounds will graduate from rigorous training in Sykesville Friday.

Six K-9's will graduate from the police academy in Sykesville after months of rigorous training, marking the 50th year for the K-9 program for the Maryland State Police.

Sysco, Kacy, Blitz, and Ares will graduate and remain working for the Maryland State Police at barracks across the state, while two Bloodhounds, both named Bella, will graduate and work for Prince George’s County Police Department and the Baltimore County Police Department, according to a Maryland State Police press release. 

The ceremony takes place Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission grounds in Sykesville.

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Two K-9 handlers and their dogs Sysco and Kacy, will graduate after completing fourteen weeks of rigorous training in Narcotic Detection School. Two K-9 handlers and their dogs Blitz and Ares will graduate after completing sixteen weeks of Explosive Detection School.  

The two K-9 handlers, trained for the allied police departments, will graduate their Bloodhounds after ten weeks of Bloodhound School.

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Sysco will be assigned to the Princess Anne Barrack, Kacy and Ares will be assigned to the Frederick Barrack and Blitz will be assigned to the Rockville Barrack.

Since 1961, K-9's have assisted law enforcement in drug detection, search and rescue missions, and in the apprehension of suspected criminals. Currently, there are 33 handlers and 41 K-9's assigned to the Maryland State Police throughout the state, according to the release.


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