Our K-9 unit is a specialized group of deputies who use service dogs to perform the responsibilities of a general law enforcement officer. In addition to their usual duties, each K-9 deputy is also a dog handler, meaning that they have to train and care for their canine partner. The responsibilities of a K-9 deputy do not end with his shift. The dog is the deputy’s partner not only at work but also at home. The K-9 handler and their family should be prepared to take care of the canine, which includes welcoming him at their house, ensuring he receives proper training, taking care of his health, and making sure the dog is provided for when the family goes on vacation. In other words, the K-9 deputy takes full responsibility to provide his canine partner with the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.
Deputy Chris Wade and K9 Jimmy
Becoming a K-9 deputy is a desirable career opportunity among law enforcement professionals. These deputies work closely with their canine partners to enforce the law and apprehend criminals and implement a series of other tasks. In order to become a K-9 deputy you need experience as a law enforcement officer, appropriate education, and special training on how to work and treat the dog that will be assigned as your partner.
Corporal Stanley Tomlin and K9 Laba
Dogs used in law enforcement are trained to either be "single purpose" or "dual purpose". Single-purpose dogs are used primarily for patrol work (backup, personal protection, and tracking) or detection work (drugs, tracking, or explosives). Dual-purpose dogs, however, are more commonly trained. Dual-purpose dogs do patrol and detection work. Their training is tough and requires being able to distinguish different kinds of drugs while avoiding getting blinded if another smell takes over. These dogs could smell narcotics even if one were cooking steak right next to them, making them an effective detection dog. When a drug dog indicates to the deputy that it found something, the deputy has reasonable suspicion to search whatever the dog alerted on (i.e. bag or vehicle).