Patch Patch Dog K-9 Dog Unit USA

A police dog, also known as a K-9 or K9 (a homophone of canine), is a dog specially 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 many other breeds with unique talents are represented. Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and Labrador Retrievers, for example, are known for their tracking, trailing, and detection abilities. Used as a law enforcement tool extensively in the United States, Police K-9s typically serve 6 to 9 years. In many countries, intentionally injuring or killing a police dog is a criminal offense.

Police departments require that a dog first pass basic obedience training. Dogs must be able to respond and obey their handler's commands without hesitation for proper control.

There are two common classifications of police K-9s:

Patrol: These dogs are used to perform patrol duties (protection of officers, arrest of suspects, clearing of areas or buildings, and security in sensitive or controlled areas).

Detection: These dogs are used to find narcotics or explosives. Keep in mind that it is either one or the other.

Dogs used in law enforcement are trained to be either “single purpose” or “dual purpose” K9s.

Single-purpose dogs are primarily used for patrol or detection tasks. We also have single-purpose K9s that are used only for tracking, locating missing persons or detecting dead bodies.