Partners with Paws: What It’s Like Working in the K-9 Unit
Man’s best friend can also be a criminal’s worst nightmare. Just ask San Diego Police Officer Jason Langley. He’s worked with the department for 12 years, six of those with police dogs in the K-9 (canine) unit.
Langley was named Canine Handler of the Year in 2024 by the San Diego Police Foundation. He speaks lovingly to A&E Crime + Investigation about his Belgian Malinois named Ace, who was nearing retirement in August 2025 upon turning 8 years old.
Why did you decide to join the K-9 unit?
I’ve always been a dog guy. If you asked me in the academy, [I would have said,] “Oh, I want to be in the gang unit.” K-9 was never even on my radar. They showed up to our calls and to me, they were the problem solvers. They got to go to all the good calls, the high priority calls. I met a handler and he kind of took me under his wing. He invited me out to train and I was like, “Wow, this is pretty cool.” I had the bite suit on. I remember the first time I was taking a bite. He put me in the corner of a building to simulate a concealed felony suspect. He sent the dog in and I could hear its toenails hitting the floor. I was terrified. The dog found me, bit me on the arm. From then on, I kept coming out to training. Eventually, I put in for the unit.
Do you find police dog handler jobs demanding?
Yes, 100%. You need to know how to handle this four-legged animal that has its own thoughts, has its own behaviors. It’s definitely balancing a lot between being a good officer and being able to handle these high drive dogs. Ideally, for a couple of years, you want to come out and decoy [before applying for a K-9 position], playing the role of the bad guy, putting the bite suit on and taking bites for the dogs.
Is Ace just a pet when you are both off duty?
No, no. When they’re off duty, you have to keep it very black and white for them, especially when a [new police] dog’s starting off. When they’re off duty, they’re hanging out in their kennel. It’s not like we’re leashing the dog up and taking them for a walk. They get a lot of their exercise and energy out at work. If I’m taking the dog out and introducing him to my family, my friends, everyone is coming over, the neighbors, then it’s kind of like everybody is a friend. We don’t want to over-socialize the dog. Some dogs are just not very social.