ISP K9 units take top honors

Submitted article

FORT MADISON – Recently the K9 unit at Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP) participated in in the United State Police Canine Association (USPCA) Police Dog # 1 Certification Trials held in Des Moines.

Dustin Yager and Michael Barnes stand with the their K9 officers and trophies received in a recent United States Police Canine Association's K9 certification trials. All four officers of the ISP team received 1st place overall and Yager received the top Obedience award. Photo courtesy of Iowa State Penitentiary

ISP has utilized K9’s since 1994. Since that time they have been instrumental in offender escort and drug detection efforts within the secure perimeter. K9’s are also utilized in assisting outside agencies with law enforcement efforts.

Two Canine Sergeants, Michael Barnes and Dustin Yager, are employed at ISP and competed against 31 other teams from Iowa and Minnesota at the trials. Barnes and Yager train frequently to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.

During the USPCA trials each K9 and their handler were tested on obedience, apprehension agility, article and box search and criminal apprehension. The ISP team, along with Anamosa, received 1st Place Over-All. In addition, Yager placed 1st in Obedience and Barnes placed 2nd in Obedience.