A police dog, also known as K-9 or K9 (a homophone of canine), is a dog specifically trained to assist members of law enforcement. Dogs have been used in law enforcement since the Middle Ages. The most commonly used breeds are German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, but several other breeds are represented having some unique talents. Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and Labrador Retrievers, for example, are known for their tracking, trailing, and detection skills. Used as a means of law enforcement widely across the United States, Police K-9s usually serve in the force for 6 to 9 years. In many countries, the intentional injuring or killing of a police dog is a criminal offense.
What Does a Law Enforcement K-9 Handler Do?
K-9 officers are responsible for enforcing local, state, or federal laws depending on the agency that they work for, and they are a peace officer. Typically, their duties are based on the mission of the agency that they work for, the division within that agency that they are assigned to, and the skills of the dog.
When it comes to a track and find or an area search, a K-9 handler paired with a cadaver dog would be utilized. Some of the larger agencies have bomb dogs assigned to the handlers who deal majorly with explosives. There are K-9 handlers with narcotics detecting dogs who are assigned to the jail.
A K-9 handler is required to train their dog to meet the needs of his department. The canine accompanies their handler on duty and assists them in a variety of tasks that include detecting illegal substances, explosive or chemicals, tracking and rescuing missing persons, and locating submerged or buried corpses or human parts.
What Happens When a K-9 Retires
The contract the Detectus McManus has with the city as a K-9 handler, is that she will buy K-9 Bane for a dollar and then it will literally become a retired K-9 officer, much like how police officers become retired. His liability, care, vet bills, and everything else will them become the responsibility of Detective McManus personally. Right now, the city of St. Francis technically owns Bane and carries that liability for him.”
Police Dog Handlers Share Why They Became K9 Officers | America’s Top Dog (Season 1) | A&E
There are many different careers in law enforcement and a variety of law enforcement jobs available. One of the most sought after jobs is being in a K-9 unit. K-9 officers or K-9 handlers are essentially law enforcement officers who use their service dogs to perform the duties of a general police officer. In addition to their regular duties, K-9 handlers are also involved in training and caring for their canine partners. This makes both the officer and the dog partners not only at work but also at home.
In this article, you will gain an in-depth understanding of everything that the job of a K-9 entails and a valuable set of insights shared by a real-time, highly experienced K-9 handler.