The Connecticut State Capitol Police Department K-9 Unit was formed in 2014 as part of security upgrades made to the State Capitol Campus.
The K-9 Unit currently consists of one team; Officer First Class James Giansanti Jr. and his partner Bocci, and English yellow Labrador Retriever.
The K-9 team of OFC Giansanti and K-9 Bocci attended an 8 week Explosive Detection Canine Handler Course hosted by the Connecticut State Police K-9 Unit. As part of their continuous development the K-9 team attends quarterly in-service training of up to one week.
Because of their specialized training in explosives detection, the K-9 team plays a significant role in creating a safe and secure environment in which to conduct the legislative process. The K-9 team accomplishes this by conducting security sweeps and searching packages that come into the Legislative Office Building and State Capitol Building. The K-9's visible presence acts as deterrent to those who seek to do us harm.
In addition to regular patrol functions around the Capitol Campus, the K-9 unit are also available to assist other Police Departments through the regional mutual aid compact. As part of our community involvement the K-9 team periodically conducts public demonstrations of the team's skills and abilities.
Lieutenant Gregory Wimble:
860-240-52888
Sergeant Jeffrey Barter:
860-240-0009
Officer First Class James Giansanti
Bocci
