A correctional officer is suspended. But the officer in question, is a K9, recently brought on to sniff out contraband.

Man’s best friend, Saba, a black German shepherd, is excited and ready for duty with the new K-9 Unit at the Department of Corrections. But the officer is in the dog house until further notice. This following two separate incidents last december.

DOC director Fred Bordallo said, "Saba bit the instructor and what happened is the instructor had to get medical attention. And then I guess the handler was still training with Saba. And I can't recall there was a couple of days later, he bit the handler Saba so we immediately stopped them. You know, when we have to get the dog evaluated."

Both the instructor and  handler were treated for bite injuries. With Saba’s suspension and the exit of former deputy director Andrew Atoigue who was certified K-9 instructor, Bordallo says it puts a pause on the growth of the program. 

"These canine dogs, you know, it's a, it's a very, you know, it's very complex in terms of their adjustment. Remember, they traveled for a long distance to get to the island," he said.

The cost for the K-9 unit is $112,150. This includes the transportation, food and vet services, and travel expenses for the handler and trainer. 

Local funds were used for the buy the dogs.

Other expenses were through the ARPA funds. 

Bordallo says talks are planned with the vendor and local handlers and trainers interested in Saba. 

"In the meantime, we're also collecting some of that same input from current online and individuals who've trained law enforcement and, and and I believe even the Guam Police Department may be investing on canines from the same vendor," he said.

His partner Alpha still remains active and working with DOC.

Meantime, it's a wait and see for the prison to determine if Saba will be able to go back on duty.