#139 Firearm Detection LAPD Metro K9 Tom Onyshko

#139 Firearm Detection LAPD Metro K9 Tom Onyshko

From K9s Talking Scents by Cameron Ford

April 23, 2026 · 1h 30m · Season 7 · Episode 139

About this episode

Tom Onyshko shares insights from his experience as a K9 handler in LAPD's elite Metropolitan Division, focusing on firearm detection operations.

Tom Onyshko is a 20-year LAPD veteran and handler in Metropolitan Division's elite K9 Platoon, where he runs both a patrol apprehension dog and a firearm detection dog. With only 5 firearm detection spots serving all of Los Angeles, Tom shares real-world insights from one of the busiest K9 programs in the country. What We Cover: Why LAPD runs single-purpose dogs (patrol, narcotics, explosives, firearms - all separate) Getting into Metro Division: the physical tests, firearm quals, and multi-year tryout process Operating in South Central LA: 30 search warrants in one month, 6 warrants in one day Firearm detection deployment: area searches, vehicle searches, evidence recovery Training philosophy: why LAPD doesn't track, e-collar use, and area search methodology Working with LAPD's SIS (Special Investigation Section) - confirmed real and elite Real callout stories: multi-story building searches, murder suspect apprehensions Tom's background includes 5 years in LAPD's South Bureau gang unit serving high-risk warrants with homicide detectives and FBI before joining Metro Division. He discusses the differences between law enforcement and military K9 work, handler selection criteria…

People in this episode

Host: Cameron Ford

Guest: Tom Onyshko

Topics covered

  • firearm detection
  • K9 training
  • law enforcement
  • LAPD
  • K9 operations

Keywords

  • firearm detection
  • K9
  • LAPD
  • Metro Division
  • law enforcement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LAPD, Metropolitan Division, SIS

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