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Main Page Starting a K-9 Unit
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Posted by: blueman08

I am a police officer in a small community in middlesex county. I am in the beginning stages (research) of starting a K-9 unit. I am looking for any information which would be helpful in my research (i.e. equipment, funding, canines, training, businesses to request assistance/funding from, etc.) This is a new venture for myself as well as my agency, and any information would be appreciated. Once I have collected information, I will be presenting a package to my Chief for review. Thanks in advance.

Posted by: SOT

Dogs:
Many come out of eastern Europe, Holland, etc.
Are the dogs going to be single use or dual use?
You'll want the kids in the local schools to start taking collections.
Work with a vet to get free or near free medical care.
Food can be had at cost or free from any number of food companies / stores and vets.
Bullet and stab (it should do both) resistant vests can be funded free or near free.
http://www.mousemagic.net/ma_vest_a_dog/ (these are great folks)
Some links
http://www.uspcak9.com/html/resources.cfm
You'll prolly want an SUV, many dealerships donate or do at cost sales for the vehicle. The up fitting with auto door release and the like are pretty expensive. So any money you can save on the vehicle is good.
Set up a policy prior to the program about dogs ownership after retirement, benefits upon retirement for int he line of duty injuries etc.
If you are the K9 handler, the dog will prolly stay at your home, do you have the space and etc?

My wife and I donate to MA vest a dog and have purchased several vests for departments directly.

Best link for the NE
http://www.workingdog.org/index.html

These guys are great also
http://www.workingdog.org/k9academy.html

Posted by: andy0921

Quote:

You'll prolly want an SUV

Many of the k-9 guys that I know hate the SUV because it is more likely to roll over during a pursuit and having the dog constantly jumping in and out of the SUV causes hip problems.

Blueman, good luck on getting the dog!

Posted by: MM1799

You are in Middlesex County, I would recommend giving Burlington PD a call and asking to speak to their K-9 officer. I know last year he organized a K-9 unit and I believe he footed the bill for a lot of it. I dont know all the specifics but I know he was very instrumental in getting that PD a K-9 unit. It sounds like you are trying to do the same thing.

Posted by: Rook

Westminster PD just got their first K9. They did a lot of public relations (from what I heard) with the town to get support. The local car dealer kicked in, the local grocery store is kicking in some food, etc.

Give them a call.

Posted by: USMCTrooper

I don't want to sound anti-expansion for your department but I will pass along some info. that may make your process more insightful. I'm sure you have already thought of them but if not here you are:

Does your town really need one? (Is there a neighboring town OR an MSP K-9 available to fulfill your needs?)

What percentage of calls in your community actually require a K-9?

Have you considered long term costs? (equipment, OT for the handler, replacement cost for the dog, added insurance for bites and/or healthcare of the dog -vets usually dont donate hospital/surgery costs, etc etc)

Does your town already have sufficient coverage 24/7 for its residents? (or does the Chief avoid spending OT for shortages)

Will the position of handler remove a patrol officer from the towns compliment and will that position be filled?

Like I said, I'm not trying to dissuade you, but the same idea was kicked around by an officer from my town. These questions were not thought of and some residents and cops from the department were against starting a K-9 unit because of these issues, namely, the Chief not spending the $$ to cover the town properly. This was not received well by the rank and file who felt any money could be spent better elsewhere, and the town had a K-9 in the 70's. A neighboring town out here had a K-9 and he "retired" after 8ish years. The handler wants to keep it going. The Chief says there is no $$. It will have to come thru donations to the tune of tens of thousands. A few residents I have spoken with ask the same thing-is it really that necessary or cant we "borrow" one from the state or city next door?

Just somethings for you to mull over........good luck!

Posted by: kodiak29

Call Officer Linatra of the Kingston Police, he is in the process of starting a k-9 unit.

Posted by: blueman08

Thanks to everyone for your responses!! Gives me some areas to start. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again.

Posted by: SOT

Fair enough...I just see a lot of K9's with the SUV.

Also Check with the Athol Police Department, they are a fairly small town and did the whole K9 thing on a shoestring with lots of donations.
(97

249-2488

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy0921

Posted by: SGT_GRUNT_USMC

K-9's are a great force multiplier to Patrol,especially on high risk situations like building/area searches.

www.lvmpdk9.com

Posted by: k9sheriff

Blueman, pm me, and I will get you in touch with our Trainer from Boston P.D.Most of the Departments in Eastern Mass go through Boston for training and certifications.There are alot of avenues out there for you.

Posted by: GuyS

My dept is looking into utilizing a bloodhound. Looking for helpful info if any dept run bloodhounds

Posted by: Rook

Westminster is using the K9 on last half so the handler has backup with him.

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