LAKE MARTIN, Ala. — The Florida Department of Corrections’ (FDC) Contraband Interdiction Unit (CIU) handlers and their K-9 partners brought home first place after competing against 20 elite teams from correctional agencies and sheriff’s offices across the Southeast.
The 2025 ADOC K9 Narcotics Competition, hosted by the Alabama Department of Corrections in early October, tested the skills of participating teams through a series of high-pressure scenarios — including vehicle and article searches, building and area searches, and tactical situations designed by seasoned K-9 handlers.
“This victory is a testament to our entire Contraband Interdiction Unit’s dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman. “We are thankful to our partners from the Alabama DOC for hosting this event and providing a platform for our team to showcase their capabilities while sharing best practices with other incredible teams from across the region.”
The competition not only highlighted the team’s technical expertise but also reinforced the importance of collaboration among correctional agencies.
“We are incredibly proud of the tireless dedication of our CIU captains who work nights, weekends, and holidays to detect, prevent, and recover dangerous contraband and illegal narcotics,” said FDC Bureau of Intelligence Chief Eddie Jones. “Their efforts improve the safety of our institutions and often lead to criminal investigations and prosecutions. Maintaining this level of excellence ensures public safety remains a top priority in Florida.”
FDC’s CIU plays a critical role in daily operations, conducting thorough searches for contraband, deploying highly trained K-9 units and partnering with the Office of the Inspector General to investigate and prevent illegal activities within correctional facilities.
FDC officials said they remain committed to enhancing safety and security through continued training, innovation and partnerships.
