The Sutter County Sheriff's Office Canine (K-9) Unit was established in 1969. The K-9 Unit currently consists of five teams: three teams working out of the main office, one assigned to the Sutter County Jail, and one team assigned to the City of Live Oak. The K-9 Unit is supervised by Sergeant John Lopez.

The K-9 Teams are primarily trained as patrol and protection, but they can also track people and search for objects. The K-9 Teams are also used for critical incidents within the jail when concern for the safety of the jail personnel and inmates are present. The K-9 Teams are also called upon by outside agencies to assist with the tracking of felons who have fled or searching for illegal drugs.

The K-9 Unit enjoys active involvement with various community organizations. The teams provide demonstrations for schools, youth groups, retirement homes or the elderly, and civic organizations. The K-9 demonstrations for youth groups and young children are especially rewarding, because the children can see the law enforcement officer in a different light. The children are able to see a fun and relaxed side of our profession which helps build a foundation of trust between the deputies and the children within our community.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sutter County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, please contact Sergeant John Lopez.

Deputy Brandon Pope & K-9 Jari

Deputy Pope is currently assigned to the K-9 Team for the Sutter County Sheriff's Office with his K-9 partner Jari (Yar-eee). Deputy Pope's law enforcement career started in 2013 when he was assigned to the Operations Division as a Patrol Deputy. In 2020, Deputy Pope was selected and assigned to the K-9 team.

Jari is a male Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands. Jari is certified for building searches, tracking, handler protection and is assigned to the SED Team with Deputy Pope. Jari was trained using Dutch Police K-9 commands. Jari and Deputy Pope are also called upon to conduct searches in other areas of the county and for other outside law enforcement agencies in the surrounding area.

When Jari is not working or at weekly trainings, he enjoys relaxing at home with Deputy Pope, his family and two German Shepards. Jari enjoys playing fetch and playing in the water to stay cool during hot days.

Deputy Kristina Hayes & K-9 Hitch 

K-9 Hitch and Deputy Hayes have been a dynamic due at the Sutter County Sheriff's Office since April of 2023. Before coming to the Sheriff's Office, K-9 Hitch did French Ring Sport work.

Since being at the Sheriff's Office, K-9 Hitch has located approximately 56 pounds of narcotics and has gotten multiple suspects to surrender, keeping everyone safe. This K-9 Duo has been a huge asset to our team and continue to show dedication and loyalty to each other and the Sheriff's Office. 

In K-9 Hitch's free time, he loves to play! He likes to find sticks and branches but especially loves his tug!

Correctional Officer Ethan Brooks & K-9 Bailey

Correctional Officer Brooks has been with the Sutter County for about 10 years and is currently assigned as a K-9 handler in the Sutter County Jail. K-9 Bailey & CO Brooks are the first K-9 team in Sutter County Jail history.

K-9 Bailey has been with the Sheriff's Office since April of 2023 and began her training in May of 2023. Brooks and Bailey became certified in June of 2023. 

CO Brooks enjoys being a K-9 handler and says, "The energy and excitement Baily brings to work each day pushes me to be better".  

Deputy Coston Beauchamp & K-9 Cheeto

K9 Cheeto is a Dutch Shepherd cross from Slovakia, and was born on November 21, 2021. He serves as a valued member of the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit and is partnered with Deputy Beauchamp.

Cheeto is certified in Patrol Work and Narcotics Detection, making him a vital asset for high-risk operations, narcotics investigations, and community safety initiatives. His exceptional drive and training allow him to perform searches, apprehensions, and detection work with precision, while, keeping his fellow deputies safe.

When he’s not on duty, Cheeto enjoys swimming, playing with his favorite toys, and getting plenty of pets from his friends in the community. His friendly and approachable personality makes him a favorite during school visits, demonstrations, and public events.

 Deputy Steven Shorey & K-9 Phoenix

Deputy Shorey is out newest K-9 handler with his partner Phoenix. Deputy Shorey and K-9 Phoenix are assigned to the City of Live Oak. 

Canine Demonstrations

To request a K-9 demonstration, contact Sergeant John Lopez.

---

K-9 Insignia & Merch 

For K-9 Shirts and/or Challenge Coins please contact Deputy Pope or Deputy Hayes.