The Patrol K-9 Unit is supervised by Sgt. Mike Costello. He is not a K-9 handler himself but oversees the unit’s training, callout work and overall activity of the unit. He has been with YPD since August 1986.

K-9 "BRUTUS" is a German Shepherd born on August 1st, 2005. BRUTUS has been with his handler, Officer Bruce Rogers, since June, 2006. Officer Rogers and BRUTUS certified as a police K-9 team in March, 2007. BRUTUS is a very intense dog, and loves to go to work more than anything. Officer Rogers has been a police K-9 handler since 2003. Officer Rogers is also a certified K-9 trainer through the Washington State Police Canine Association. Officer Rogers has been with YPD since August 2001.
K-9 "SABRE" is a German Shepherd born on January 11th, 2008. SABRE has been with his handler, Officer Jim Yates, since January, 2009. Officer Yates and SABRE certified in April, 2009. SABRE is a very large dog who is playful, but very serious when it comes time to go to work. Officer Yates started with the K-9 unit in December 2008. Officer Yates has been with YPD since August 2004.
In addition to the Patrol Dogs, the Yakima Police Department has a separate contingent of drug sniffing dogs. These dogs are specially trained to detect illegal drugs using their keen sense of smell.

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The unit is commanded by Sergeant Tony Bennett
and consists of 2 officer/handlers and 2 dogs.
The Drug Dog unit is completely separate from the patrol dogs. |
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