The UPD's K-9 Unit consists of 10 professional K9 handlers that provide canine support to Patrol, Investigations, and Corrections. The unit is often called upon to assist Federal, State, and other local law enforcement agencies. The officers and their canine partners typically work the evening and graveyard shifts in patrol, but are subject to call-out any time the resource is needed. They search for and apprehend high-risk criminals who have fled from law enforcement and/or concealed themselves to avoid capture. Additionally, the unit can provide dogs for explosive detection, narcotics detection and forensic/cadaver detection.
Police Service Dogs have amazing olfactory capabilities. Without their keen sense of smell, these dogs would be of little use for law enforcement. Most people have seen a demonstration at one time or another showing how the patrol dogs chase down suspects. This, however, is a very small portion of what they do. They are a search and location tool, first and foremost. Unfortunately, suspects being searched for are often uncooperative, violent law breakers and their immediate apprehension is necessary. To that end, patrol dogs are trained to defend themselves, their handlers and apprehend fleeing criminals.
The police dog of today is like its human counterpart, professional and highly trained. All of UPD's dogs are kenneled at the handler's home. Handlers literally spend more time with their K-9 partners than members of their own family. Nearly all of UPD's K-9 handlers have children. These dogs blend in well in the family environment. This interaction is a big reason why we have such "social" animals. They understand the difference between work and off time and behave accordingly. Many people refer to police dogs as "mean." Mean dogs have no place in today's Police Service Dog programs.
The unit conducts canine demonstrations for school programs, scout groups, community activities, and special interest groups. These demonstrations provide an excellent opportunity to promote a greater understanding of how and why canines benefit law enforcement in their efforts to keep our communities safe.
UPD K9 Website
