Local deputy recognized for passionate work with K-9s

By Kaitlyn Funk
Special to The Examiner 12/1/08

Master Deputy Todd Bailey, who joined the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office in 1987, has a partner unlike most of the other officers on the force. Dino does whatever Bailey orders and “doesn't talk back.” He also is quite hairy. That's because Bailey's partner is a German shepherd. “Dogs are easier to work with than people,” Bailey joked. In 2006 the NAPWDA named Bailey national trainer of the year in recognition of his committed and passionate work, and in November he successfully completed an exam, interview and hundreds of training hours to achieve master trainer status.

Why did you become an officer?

Master Deputy Todd Bailey and K-9 partner Dino, a German shepherd.

Because my father was an officer. I went to the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in 1987 and joined the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department that same year. I started in the canine unit in 1994, and in 2002 I started working towards being a trainer. Basically you work towards being a trainer first and then you work towards being a master trainer.

What has been the highlight of your career?

When I achieved master trainer [in November].

How are the dogs used?

We use the dogs mostly for criminal apprehension and narcotics detections. It's about half and half, a little more on the narcotics side. The dogs provide probable cause for vehicle searches. When a deputy makes a traffic stop and has reasonable suspicion narcotics are in the vehicle, he will call the canine unit. An exterior sniff is not a search.

Do you use the dogs to find missing people?

We do, but they are generally used to locate criminals. When people leave the scene of the crime on foot, the dogs are brought out to track them down.

Why do you like working in the canine unit?

Every call is different, and not all the dogs are utilized the same way. It's very rewarding to work with the dogs in addition to the other handlers.

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