EASTON — The Easton Police Department is adjusting to recent changes in cannabis laws as K-9 units face challenges due to retirements. K-9 Knox, a nearly 2-year-old black lab, has begun to fill the gap left by retiring police dogs. Knox completed her training in January 2025 and has already been deployed 17 times in the first quarter, assisting in six drug arrests alongside her handler, Pfc. Mark Schinault.
The retirement of older K-9s has created a need for new recruits in local law enforcement agencies. With changing cannabis laws, the role of K-9 units is evolving. Officers are now tasked with identifying not only illegal substances but also navigating a landscape where certain cannabis products are legal. This requires K-9s to be specifically trained to differentiate between legal and illegal cannabis, a skill crucial to their operations.
In Dorchester County, K-9 Remi, a German shorthaired pointer, is among six police dogs that are adapting to these new challenges. Handled by Dfc. Cole Mills, Remi also plays an active role in drug detection operations.
As law enforcement agencies continue to adapt to the changing cannabis landscape, the success of K-9 units like Knox and Remi will be essential in maintaining public safety and enforcing the law effectively. The ongoing training and deployment of these K-9s reflect the commitment of local police departments to address the complexities introduced by new cannabis regulations.
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