Crime & Safety
Canine Crimefighters: New Puppies Are the FCPD's Latest Recruits
Bolt and Sy are just a few months old, but they're already learning how to find clues and missing people.
By Mary Stachyra Lopez
Meet Bolt and Sy—at just a few months old, they're the youngest recruits in training at the Fairfax County Police Department.
The two Bloodhounds are just like any other puppies their age in many ways. They're learning how to potty train, obey basic commands and behave themselves around people.
But the pups are also starting to learn how to help their handlers, Officers Pete Masood and Kevin Clarke, track down clues and even missing people.
Read more about Bolt and Sy's new job.
The dogs are not typically used to track down criminals—that's a job for the department's faithful German Shepherds. While the Shepherds are trained to lock onto a criminal and not let go, the Bloodhounds will not bite and are useful for finding missing children or adults with dementia. They can also find a trail for scents that can be hours or even days old.
Watch the video to hear Clarke talk about how Sy and Bolt will help the department.
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