Turlock Police Department

Field Operations

K-9 Unit

K-9 Unit Members

Corporal Scott Ellis

Corporal Ellis graduated from the Ray Simon Criminal Justice Training Academy in April of 1999. After his completion of the academy he was hired with the Angels Camp Police Department as a full-time Police Officer. After spending 18 months in Angels Camp he was hired by the Turlock Police Department. Corporal Ellis started with the Turlock Police Department as a full-time Police Officer in November of 2001.

As a sworn officer, Corporal Ellis has served as a SWAT Officer, Bicycle Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Canine Handler. He was promoted to Corporal in July of 2007 and was assigned as the Canine Unit Supervisor in December of 2008. The previous supervisor of the unit, now Lieutenant Steve Williams, gave up this assignment as he was recently promoted to Lieutenant and reassigned to different endeavors which opened up the position for Corporal Ellis to fulfill.

Corporal Ellis was assigned to the Canine Unit in December of 2004. For the next four years Corporal Ellis worked with his Canine partner “Robbie” on the streets of Turlock. In April of 2009 canine “Robbie” retired from the police department.



Field Training Officer Steve Rodrigues and "Asta"

FTO Rodrigues was hired as a Turlock Police Officer on December 1, 2003. He has served as a Field Training Officer, Bicycle Patrol Officer, and recently became part of the Hostage Negotiation Team. FTO Rodrigues was selected as a Canine Handler in October 2005.

Asta is a female Belgium Malinois born 2-4-02. Asta was purchased from Tojo Dutch Police Dogs in the Netherlands in June 2003. Asta was assigned to Officer Rodrigues in October 2005. Asta is a "dual-purpose" canine. This means that she is certified for both patrolwork and narcotics detection. Lt Williams trained the team of Officer Rodrigues and Asta during an intensive six-week handler school in November 2005. Asta was certified for full dual-purpose duty in January 2006.



Field Training Officer Mike Stapler and "Stitch"

FTO Stapler was hired as a Turlock Police Officer on May 1, 2003. He has served as a Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Member, and Range Instructor. FTO Stapler was selected as a Canine Handler in October 2005.

Stitch is a male Belgium Malinois born 6-20-05. Stitch was purchased from Tojo Dutch Police Dogs in the Netherlands in October 2005. Stitch was assigned to Officer Stapler in October 2005. Stitch is a “dual-purpose” canine. This means that he is certified for both patrolwork and narcotics detection. Lt Williams trained the team of Officer Stapler and Stitch during an intensive six-week handler school in November 2005. Stitch was certified for full dual-purpose duty in January 2006.