CT State Capitol Police

K-9 Unit

The Connecticut State Capitol Police Department K-9 Unit was formed in 2014 as part of security upgrades made to the State Capitol Campus.

The K-9 Unit currently consists of two teams; Officer First Class Michael Bermudez and his partner Cutter, an American yellow Labrador Retriever; Officer First Class James Giansanti Jr. and his partner Bocci, and English yellow Labrador Retriever. K-9 Cutter entered service to the department in 2014.

The K-9 team of OFC Bermudez and K-9 Cutter attended a 10 week Explosive Detection Canine Handler Course hosted by the Boston Police Department K-9 Academy. As part of their continuous development the K-9 team attends in-service training with the Boston Police Department K-9 Academy at least twice a month for the rest of their career. K-9 Bocci entered service to the department in 2022.

The K-9 team of OFC Giansanti and K-9 Bocci are currently attending an 8 week Explosive Detection Canine Handler Course hosted by the Connecticut State Police K-9 Unit. As part of their continuous development the K-9 team attends quarterly in-service training of up to one week.

Because of their specialized training in explosives detection, the K-9 teams plays a significant role in creating a safe and secure environment in which to conduct the legislative process. The K-9 teams accomplish this by conducting security sweeps and searching packages that come into the Legislative Office Building and State Capitol Building. The K-9's visible presence acts as deterrent to those who seek to do us harm.

In addition to regular patrol functions around the Capitol Campus, the K-9 units are also available to assist other Police Departments through the regional mutual aid compact. As part of our community involvement the K-9 teams periodically conducts public demonstrations of the team's skills and abilities.

K-9s:

Cutter
Bocci

K-9 Unit

K-9 Unit Commander:

K-9 Unit Supervisor:

K-9 Handlers:

K-9s: