ODRC Celebrates the Retirement of One of its First Drug-Detecting K-9s

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Jenn Truxall, [email protected]

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) celebrates the retirement of one of its first drug-detecting K9s in the agency's history.

K-9 Moris, an 8-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), joined the department in January 2020. For Moris and his handler, Dan Hooks, it was a learning experience for both. "When I first got Moris, he was very timid," said Hooks. "It took him some time to warm up to a prison environment, but when he did, he was the best partner I could have."

"The work of a K9 handler is 24/7," said DJ Norris, K9 coordinator for ODRC. "They are up at all hours of the day, and sometimes in the evening, making sure that the dog is happy and has what it needs."

Throughout their careers, Moris and Hooks worked together to keep Ohio prisons safe. Over six years as a DRC K-9, Moris successfully detected contraband worth millions of dollars in prison value. "K-9s are one of the best tools we have in fighting against prohibited substances," said ODRC Interim Director Ed Banks. "Moris and Dan have been there since the beginning of this unit and have set a great example for what it's become."

Moris will continue living with Hooks and enjoy his well-deserved retirement as a very good boy. Hooks will receive a new K-9 partner and later head to Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania for handler training. The two will be working together in Ohio prisons later this month.

Moris enjoying his retirement party

Video of Moris's Celebration

ODRC is committed to continuing its fight against prohibited substances within its institutions. In addition to utilizing a K-9 unit now made up of 14 GSPs, ODRC employs a variety of methods for contraband interdiction, including:

• Scanning and sending all non-legal mail directly to an incarcerated person's tablet to reduce the amount of adulterated paper entering correctional facilities
• Body scanners at all institutions that detect foreign objects or substances concealed inside a human body
• Comprehensive drone detection system to monitor, track, and prevent conveyance attempts utilizing drones

More information about ODRC's multilayered contraband interdiction efforts is available on our website here.