#139 Firearm Detection LAPD Metro K9 Tom Onyshko
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…
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- #135 The Cutting Edge Of Detection Dogs with Brian Menace | Knife Detection K9s
- #134 Electronic Storage Device (ESD) Detection Dogs with Derek Ramierez
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