For the Clovis Police Department, K-9s are an important part of the work, helping officers find narcotics, save time and resources, and keep dangerous drugs off the streets.
FOX26 is highlighting Jester, a Clovis Police narcotics K-9, and his handler, Officer Ricky Cressall, to give you a firsthand look at the work they do together.
“They help us do our job in a way that we couldn’t do without them,” said Cressall.
Jester is trained to detect cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.
During a ride-along with Cressall, FOX26 got a firsthand look at how Jester works. At the department’s K-9 facility, Cressall set up a training scenario to demonstrate Jester’s detection skills.
FOX26 ride-along highlights Clovis narcotics K-9 Jester and handler Officer Ricky Cressall. (Photo: FOX26 Photojournalist Bert Montelongo)
Cressall says Jester has one major advantage when it comes to finding narcotics: his nose.
“Their nose is much more powerful than ours,” Cressall said.
FOX26 ride-along highlights Clovis narcotics K-9 Jester and handler Officer Ricky Cressall. (Photo: FOX26 Photojournalist Bert Montelongo)
That ability can make a major difference when officers are searching for large buildings or other areas where narcotics may be hidden.
“With Jester, we can pinpoint that very easily,” Cressall said. He added that using a K-9 can save officers time and resources while helping get narcotics off the streets.
Jester is trained to alert his handler when he detects the odor he is looking for. During the demonstration, he narrowed down the search and showed his trained response.
But Jester’s role goes beyond his work as a detection K-9.
Cressall says the two spend nearly every day together, both on and off the clock.
“Every day, Jester comes to work with me. We go home. I spend more time with him than my family, it seems like sometimes because he’s always with me,” said Cressall. “If that doesn’t make him an officer, I don’t know what does.”
FOX26 ride-along highlights Clovis narcotics K-9 Jester and handler Officer Ricky Cressall. (Photo: FOX26 Photojournalist Bert Montelongo)
Jester is one of the many K-9s working alongside law enforcement officers using training, teamwork and a powerful sense of smell to help keep communities safe.
Cressall has been with Clovis Police for nine years and in law enforcement for 18, including three years working with Jester.