Tom Onyshko is a 20-year LAPD veteran and handler in Metropolitan Division's elite K9 Platoon, where he runs both a patrol apprehension dog and a firearm detection dog. With only 5 firearm detection spots serving all of Los Angeles, Tom shares real-world insights from one of the busiest K9 programs in the country.
What We Cover:
Why LAPD runs single-purpose dogs (patrol, narcotics, explosives, firearms - all separate)
Getting into Metro Division: the physical tests, firearm quals, and multi-year tryout process
Operating in South Central LA: 30 search warrants in one month, 6 warrants in one day
Firearm detection deployment: area searches, vehicle searches, evidence recovery
Training philosophy: why LAPD doesn't track, e-collar use, and area search methodology
Working with LAPD's SIS (Special Investigation Section) - confirmed real and elite
Real callout stories: multi-story building searches, murder suspect apprehensions
Tom's background includes 5 years in LAPD's South Bureau gang unit serving high-risk warrants with homicide detectives and FBI before joining Metro Division. He discusses the differences between law enforcement and military K9 work, handler selection criteria, and what makes Metropolitan Division's training standards unique.
Essential listening for law enforcement K9 handlers, firearm detection teams, and anyone interested in how elite metro agencies deploy detection dogs operationally.
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