DOC Team Sweeps Regional K-9 Competition Press Release 06/18/01

DOVER - A 3-officer team of canine handlers with the Delaware Department of Correction swept a regional canine competition this weekend in West Virginia. DOC K-9 handlers Marilyn Arwe, Mike Malloy and John Ryan took several first place awards at The United States Police Canine Association competition this weekend in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The officers swept the individual competition for criminal apprehension; taking first, second and third places. In all, the DOC handlers took 11 awards.

31 individuals and four teams from Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Washington, D.C. took part in the annual competition. Officers and their handlers were judged in the areas of search work, criminal apprehension, obedience and overall skills.

Individual competition
K-9 handler Marilyn Arwe K-9 Ayla	First - Overall individual competition
	First - Search work
	Second - Criminal apprehension
	Third - Obedience

K-9 handler Mike Malloy K-9 Sultan	Second - Overall individual competition
	Second - Search work
	Third - Criminal apprehension

K-9 handler John Ryan K-9 Justice	First - Criminal apprehension
	Second - Obedience
	Third - Overall individual competition

Team competition
First - Overall team competition

Arwe, Malloy and Ryan won their awards in the Novice category, as it was the first canine competition for each officer. Arwe is assigned to the DOC's CERT (Correctional Emergency Response team) and has been with the Department less than one year. Malloy is assigned to the Delaware Correctional Center near Smyrna and has been with the Department for three years. Ryan is assigned to the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown and has been with the Department for five years.

"K-9 units have proven to be extremely effective security enhancements," said Corrections Commissioner Stan Taylor. "Along the perimeter, K-9s can intercept possible contraband and participate in initiatives that ensure the public's safety. Inside the facilities, inmates realize the K-9s' immense capabilities. They think twice before misbehaving in the presence of a K-9 unit."

DOC K-9 handlers spent 10 hours a week preparing for the competition. This on top of the 40-hour week each officer works at his or her assigned institution. As a result of this weekend's competition, each officer qualified for the National Police Dog Competition to be held in Minnesota this September.

Note: For additional information or for photos of the officers with their K-9s and awards, contact Beth Welch in the Office of Media Relations at 302-739-5601 ext. 232.