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Canine Troopers Intercept More Than 175 Pounds of Illegal Drugs in Two Traffic Stops

Canine Troopers Intercept More Than 175 Pounds of Illegal Drugs in Two Traffic Stops

 

- For Immediate Release -

 

Monday, August 17, 2026

On the morning of Thursday, August 13, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) trooper assigned to the Canine District stopped the driver of a Chevrolet Malibu on Interstate 8 in southern Arizona for a civil traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper observed several indicators of criminal activity. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed multiple cellophanewrapped packages hidden inside. Further investigation uncovered approximately 150 pounds of methamphetamine concealed throughout the car. The driver was booked into jail on charges including possession and transportation of a dangerous drug for sale.

That afternoon, a Canine District trooper in the Holbrook area stopped the driver of a Chevrolet Traverse on Interstate 40 for civil traffic violations. Indications of criminal activity were observed during the stop, and a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a suitcase in the trunk. An AZDPS drug detection canine alerted to the suitcase, and troopers found approximately 26 pounds of cocaine inside. The driver was arrested and booked into jail on charges including possession and transportation of a narcotic drug for sale.

AZDPS Canine District troopers remain vigilant in their efforts to keep dangerous drugs out of Arizona’s communities, and their skill and dedication are integral to the Department’s ongoing public safety mission.

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AZDPS Strengthens International Cooperation as UAE Officers Complete ALEAA Training

Over the past several months, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) had the privilege of hosting three law enforcement officers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they completed the Arizona Law Enforcement Analyst Academy (ALEAA). Through a collaborative partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), AZDPS welcomed Officer Aamer Alhefeiti, Officer Khalifa Alshehhi, and Officer Abdulla Alyammahi of the UAE Ministry of the Interior.

AZDPS Introduces First Crisis Response Canine

AZDPS Introduces First Crisis Response Canine

 

- For Immediate Release -

 

Monday, August 10, 2026

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is proud to introduce Daisy, the agency’s first-ever crisis response canine.

Daisy, a four-month-old Australian labradoodle, was generously donated to AZDPS by Blue Line Doodles of Arizona, Pups and Warriors Side by Side (PAWSS), and Post Incident Stress & Trauma in Law Enforcement – Public Safety (PISTLEPS). Through their partnership, Daisy joins the Department at the start of her crisis response training, working closely with her handlers to build the skills needed for future deployments.

Crisis response canines play a vital role in public safety. Their presence can help reduce the body’s stress response, allowing victims, survivors, family members, and witnesses to better process traumatic events. These dogs also support first responders by offering a sense of stability and connection in the immediate aftermath of emergencies.

Daisy is assigned to Detective Carpenter and Detective Villela with our Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT). Our crisis negotiators respond to high-pressure situations where communication and de-escalation are critical.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, Daisy responded to her second call for service — and her first operational deployment — in Tucson, assisting the CNT during the service of a high-risk search warrant. During the operation, an uninvolved adult resident experienced significant emotional stress and was evaluated by medics as a precaution. Daisy calmly approached and crawled onto the man’s lap, providing steady comfort throughout the assessment. After being cleared, he asked Daisy to return and greeted her with a big smile as soon as she hopped back into his lap.

Daisy’s first deployment demonstrated exactly why crisis response canines are an invaluable resource for public safety—her presence helped bring steadiness and support to a stressful situation. AZDPS looks forward to the positive impact she will continue to make across the state.

The Department extends its sincere gratitude to Blue Line Doodles of Arizona, PAWSS, and PISTLE-PS for their support and generosity.

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Colonel Glover Appoints Lt. Col. Jennifer Borquez as Assistant Director of AZDPS Agency Support Division

Colonel Glover Appoints Lt. Col. Jennifer Borquez as Assistant Director of AZDPS Agency Support Division

 

- For Immediate Release -

 

Friday, August 07, 2026

PHOENIX — Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer Borquez as Assistant Director of the Agency Support Division, effective August 1, 2026.

In this executive leadership position, Lt. Col. Borquez oversees the Department’s essential administrative, technical, and operational support functions, including financial services, human resources, procurement, fleet and logistics, aviation, forensic sciences, training, records, and strategic planning.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the Department. Lt. Col. Borquez is the third woman in AZDPS history to attain the rank of lieutenant colonel and be appointed to an assistant director position.

“Throughout her career, Lt. Col. Jennifer Borquez has distinguished herself through her integrity, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to public service,” said Colonel Glover. “Her appointment reflects both the strength of her leadership and the depth of experience she brings to this critical role. From frontline patrol and criminal investigations to academy leadership and statewide intelligence operations, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead people, manage complex operations, and advance the Department’s mission. I am confident Lt. Col. Borquez will provide the vision, judgment, and disciplined leadership necessary to strengthen the systems and services that support every division of AZDPS.”

Lt. Col. Borquez began her AZDPS career in 2002 as a Cadet State Trooper. Following her graduation from the Phoenix Regional Police Academy, she was assigned to the Highway Patrol Division in Metro West Phoenix. In 2006, she transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division, where she served in the General Investigations and Special Investigations units.

Promoted to sergeant in 2012, she supervised a Highway Patrol squad in Metro East Phoenix and later held supervisory assignments within the Agency Support and Criminal Investigations divisions.

In 2015, Lt. Col. Borquez was promoted to captain and served in command positions across the Criminal Investigations Division, Highway Patrol Division, and Internal Affairs. She also led the State Trooper Academy and oversaw multi-agency academy classes at the Phoenix Regional Police Academy.

Lt. Col. Borquez was promoted to major in 2020 and appointed Chief of Staff for the Criminal Investigations Division. From 2021 through 2024, she served as Director of the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center, leading statewide intelligence, information-sharing, and public safety coordination efforts.

She subsequently served as Chief of Staff for the Technical Services and Highway Patrol divisions before becoming Chief of Staff for the Agency Support Division in December 2025.

Lt. Col. Borquez is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI National Academy, and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies from Arizona State University and is currently completing a Master of Public Safety degree at the University of Virginia.

AZDPS congratulates Lt. Col. Borquez on this historic appointment and recognizes her more than two decades of dedicated leadership and service to the people of Arizona.

AZDPS Command Staff - Lt. Col. Jennifer Borquez

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