Lake Martin, Alabama – The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has secured first place in a major contraband interdiction and recovery competition held in Alabama, outperforming law enforcement teams from across the southeastern United States.
The event, hosted by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), brought together 20 elite teams from correctional agencies and sheriff’s offices to test their operational skills, tactical awareness, and K9 handling capabilities in a series of demanding scenarios.
The Florida contingent, comprising select handlers from the FDC’s Contraband Interdiction Unit (CIU) and their K9 partners, earned top marks across multiple categories to claim the overall victory. The result underscores the department’s growing reputation for operational excellence and its leadership role in correctional security across the region.
Recognition for Operational Excellence
Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman said the win reflected the strength and professionalism of the FDC’s specialised enforcement units.
“This victory is a testament to our entire Contraband Interdiction Unit’s dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman. “We are thankful to our partners from the Alabama DOC for hosting this event and providing a platform for our team to showcase their capabilities, while sharing best practices with other incredible teams from across the region. This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement in our efforts to maintain secure and safe correctional facilities.”
The Competition and Its Challenges
The competition included a sequence of high-pressure tasks designed to replicate real-world interdiction challenges. Teams were required to conduct complex vehicle and article searches, building sweeps, and open-area detection exercises under timed and closely scored conditions. Each scenario was crafted by veteran K9 trainers and law enforcement specialists to test the precision, endurance, and communication between handlers and their dogs.
Officials from the Florida Department of Corrections highlighted that the achievement goes beyond competitive success, emphasising its significance in strengthening day-to-day operational safety within state facilities.
Leadership Praise
Eddie Jones, Chief of the FDC Bureau of Intelligence, praised the relentless commitment of the officers involved.
“We are incredibly proud of the tireless dedication of our CIU captains who work nights, weekends, and holidays to detect, prevent, and recover dangerous contraband and illegal narcotics,” said Florida Department of Corrections Bureau of Intelligence Chief Eddie Jones. “The discoveries made by these teams not only improve the safety of our correctional institutions but often lead to a trail of criminal activity which results in arrests and criminal prosecutions. Affirming our position as a leader in the practice ensures public safety remains a top priority in Florida.”
The Role of the CIU
The CIU forms a central part of the department’s security operations, with responsibilities that extend far beyond contraband detection. Working closely with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the unit conducts thorough investigations into illegal activities within correctional facilities, tracing and intercepting the movement of prohibited items such as narcotics, mobile phones, and weapons.
This collaboration between the CIU and OIG is regarded as critical in maintaining integrity across the state’s correctional network. Their joint operations not only deter internal corruption and external criminal activity but also enhance safety for staff and inmates alike.
Focus on Innovation and Training
FDC officials note that such success stems from continuous investment in advanced training and operational technology. The department has focused on refining its detection techniques, modernising equipment, and ensuring that both officers and K9s receive regular, scenario-based instruction.
The recent competition win is being seen internally as validation of those efforts and as a reflection of Florida’s broader commitment to correctional innovation and safety.
Continued Commitment to Public Safety
In a closing statement, the department reaffirmed its focus on ongoing improvement.
“The FDC CIU Team plays a crucial role in our daily operations, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our institutions,” the department said. “Their responsibilities include conducting thorough searches for contraband, utilising highly trained K9 units, and partnering with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate and prevent illegal activities within our facilities. This partnership with the OIG is instrumental in upholding the integrity and safety of our correctional system.”
The Florida Department of Corrections added that it remains committed to strengthening security across all its institutions through rigorous training, innovative strategies, and sustained inter-agency partnerships.
“FDC remains committed to enhancing the safety and security of our institutions through rigorous training, innovative strategies, and strong partnerships. We congratulate our CIU team on their well-deserved victory and look forward to their continued success in safeguarding our correctional facilities.”
Conclusion
The department’s regional victory in Alabama now positions the FDC’s Contraband Interdiction Unit among the leading K9 enforcement teams in the southeastern United States, setting a benchmark for operational performance in correctional security.
