K-9

The K-9 Detection Program became operational in November of 2005. The mission of the K-9 Team is to provide drug detection capability to aid in the investigation, apprehension and prosecution of probationers or wards engaged in illegal drug activities. The team is primarily used to search the homes of those on probation for drug offenses. The team also randomly search the various juvenile institutions operated by the Kern County Probation Department. The handler is Brett Barker and his canine partner is Gert. Gert is a Belgain Malinois born in May, 2004. He was trained in Hungary for tracking, obedience and protection. When Gert was delivered, he and Brett went through 5 weeks of narcotic detection training. Brett and Gert have won or placed in several K-9 competitions. Officer Barker is a Juvenile Corrections Officer III and has been involved with training dogs for several years.