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Veteran Calif. K9 handler resigns over new drug search program

Says he was threatened by a superior when he tried to point out what he believes are flaws in a new program aimed at reducing prison drug smuggling

By George Warren
News 10

VACAVILLE — An expert dog handler and trainer who spent decades with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says he was threatened by a superior when he tried to point out what he believes are flaws in a new program aimed at reducing prison drug smuggling.

Wayne Conrad, 61, resigned in September as the CDCR began ramping up a plan to begin using dogs to search prison staff and visitors.

Conrad first learned dog handling skills in the Marine Corps and later worked with a canine unit for the New York City Housing Authority before being hired by the California prison system in 1985, where he worked as a handler and trainer for 21 years.

Full story: Veteran prison dog handler resigns over new drug search program

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