SEPTA Transit Police welcoming four new K-9 recruits this spring

The region’s public transit agency has shared some major furry news!

In a social media post, SEPTA Transit Police shared that they are adding four new recruits to their K-9 unit this spring.

The new recruits will bring the unit to 14 teams of handlers and dogs, officials said.

All of the dogs are trained in-house at SEPTA’s K-9 training facility at Midvale District, according to officials.

The dogs had received explosive detection training, and 10 of the 14 are and will be trained in apprehension, tracking, and article searches.

The K-9 unit has been in service for over 30 years, according to officials. During a typical shift K-9 units conduct daily explosive sweeps, respond to investigate unattended items and ensure stations are safe before large events.

“Our K-9 teams regularly work with regional law enforcement to assist with searching large buildings and facilities and work with national partners at major events such as Super Bowls and Presidential inaugurations,” officials wrote.

Officials added, “Our Transit Police K-9 handlers are responsible for their partners 24/7. They take them home every day and they are allowed to interact with the officer’s family.”