NCJ Number
191128
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 26-31
Date Published
September 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes setting up and maintaining effective police K-9 teams.
Abstract
Police K-9's are an accepted part of everyday police work and are recognized for their value in tracking and apprehending suspects, sniffing out narcotics, searching buildings, and protecting officers. Just as a dog can be tested for its aptitude for police work, so can an officer be tested for skill in working with a dog. The article describes the process of choosing a dog for police work, evaluating a puppy's physical condition and temperament, its level of confidence, and its courage. Much of K-9 teams' success is determined by how well the animal has bonded with the handler. The bonding cannot occur if the dog is not people-oriented and the officer is not dog-oriented. Obedience training, which means control, is the foundation of everything that will be done with a dog in law enforcement. Obedience training can be conducted together with police work training in tracking, building searches, protection work, and agility. When a K-9 team leaves school, they need ongoing training to adjust to actual field work and maintain and improve their proficiency.