Posted by: Media Relations

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux is pleased to announce the innovative addition of Maleah, a 2 year old black Labrador, to the staff at the Tulare County Jail Facilities.

Maleah, who completed her POST-certified training on March 2, is trained to detect marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and cell phones. Since completing her training, Maleah has already made herself an integral part of the department, and has gone straight to work to detect narcotics substances in the facilities, as well as other prohibited items.

During her extensive training program, Maleah searched various prearranged and controlled scenarios including different jail environments, buildings and vehicles. During her training and certification, she successfully executed well over 200 detections.  Since reporting for duty in Tulare County Facilities, Maleah has already made successful finds.  Maleah's efforts in Tulare County Detention Facilities will undoubtedly lend toward a safer environment for inmates and staff alike.

Working with Maleah is Correctional Deputy Jeffrey Lewis, who has been a part of the Sheriff’s Department family for a little more than a year and a half. Beyond his experience with the Department, Lewis has worked as an Animal Control Officer both in Tulare County and Butte County, and previously served in the Army for four years. He has experience handling animals both large and small, and works with Maleah on a daily basis in training and maintaining their skills as a team.

Pictures can be found at http://facebook.com/TulareSheriff