Women 2026: They and their K9 teams

Rocio and Laura are members of the K9 Canine Unit of the State Public Security Forces (FSPE), whose story reflects vocation, discipline and commitment, as well as the teamwork “paw in paw” with the canine officers

The Secretary of Security and Peace recognizes the work of the female police officers who, together with their canine partners, contribute daily to operational and specialized tasks

Guanajuato/Gto News

Rocio and Laura are members of the K9 Canine Unit of the State Public Security Forces (FSPE), whose story reflects vocation, discipline and commitment, as well as the teamwork “paw in paw” with the canine officers.

The first encounter between police officer Rocio and Peggy, a canine officer, turned into a struggle of strength that, six years later, is teamwork and translates into support for the citizens of Guanajuato.

Although Rocio believes she joined the ranks of the State Public Security Forces (FSPE) a little late, today, as a second-class police officer, she acknowledges that she is in a place where she has been able to acquire knowledge that she now shares as an instructor.

“My biggest thrill was being assigned to the K9 Unit where I handle canines for narcotics detection. When they handed over my partner Peggy, I was used to working with small dogs and the first time she really gave dragged me all over,” the officer recalls humorously. 

Trained in Orlando, Florida, on several occasions, today she is in charge of the 21 pairs so that they go out on narcotics operations fully trained and in the best physical condition. 

As the International Women’s Day  approaches, for Rocío being an officer has been a challenge because she still has to make herself heard both in and out of uniform. 

“It’s difficult for some colleagues to receive orders from women, but that’s what we’re here for: to learn together and to understand that the conditions are equal,” she said.

“I’m a police officer because of my daughter”

Laura, a canine handler and officer for four years, dreamed from a very young age of wearing the uniform and getting into a patrol car; her daughter was her motivation to achieve it.

“It was my dream; I would see the patrol cars and say, ‘someday I’ll ride in one of those.’ My daughter motivated me to start my career; when I passed the exams, it gave me the hope to continue and put in even more effort,” the young officer said.

When she graduated from the Institute of Training in Public Security (INFOSPE), she was assigned to the K9 unit, where she prepared to share security efforts now accompanied by Bela.

“I didn’t know the Unit existed; when I saw my commanders with their dogs, I said, ‘Now I want to be a handler,’ and I put in even more effort. You don’t just do your job, you also take care of your canine partner,” says Laura, who now also redoubles her efforts so that her daughter in heaven will always be proud. 

Both officers agree that their effort, work, dedication and commitment to build security can leave a mark on the next generations of women in the K9 Unit.

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