The Life of a K-9 Officer

Dear Sheriff:  Can you explain what it’s like to be a K-9 officer?

Answer:  Yes!  I have asked Sheriff’s Deputy Ptl. Justin Yoder, one of my newest K-9 officers, to assist me with today’s column. 

The Elkhart County Sheriff currently has a total of 6 police canines (K-9s); 3 on patrol and 3 in corrections.  As funds are available, additional K-9s would like to be added.

A K-9 officer’s duties are those of a general police officer, except I carry out those tasks with a highly trained dog.  I’ve spoken to young people who wish to be a K-9 officer upon being hired on the department.  But it is important that you know the fundamentals of being a police officer first by developing valuable experience. 

My K-9 not only patrols with me but he also lives at my residence.  The K-9 knows the difference when it is time to be serious at work and when they can be a social pet at home.  My police dog has become one of the family, forming a bond with all my family members.  After the K-9 retires, which is anywhere from 5-8 years for health reasons, they become a full time pet at the handler’s home. 

My K-9 helps protect me.  I can remotely open the police car door to allow the K-9 to exit and help me.  My police dog assists me in situations where I need help on traffic stops or other calls, where there may be drugs in a stopped vehicle, in apprehending fleeing suspects, in helping track suspects or lost persons, and for securing the perimeter of a building where a warrant may be served. 

The K-9 officer’s responsibilities go beyond shift hours. The handler must care for the police dog, including ensuring the dog has enough exercise, is cared for if the family goes on vacation, and has everything he needs to live a healthy life.

The process of becoming a K-9 officer involves a lot of hard work.  Future handlers are expected to attend weekly trainings so they can help out and learn the aspects of being a K-9 officer.  Handlers are chosen by the Sheriff on the basis of commitment, dedication, good character and temperament. 

Once you become a handler, training never stops.  I work the dog on obedience every day.  Then frequent training on sniffing drugs, tracking, article searching, or aggression work.  I use other officers on shift to help me train. 

K-9 officers train 2 hours a week with other K-9 officers, and then a full 8 hour day once a month.  The trainings are conducted by local officers who are master trainers from the International Police Work Dog Association. 

Most police dogs are the German Shepherd breed.  However, agencies use different breeds depending on personal preference and what they will be used for.  I have a cross breed of a German shepherd and a Belgian Malinois.  His name is Stone and he’s from Czechoslovakia, being imported only 3 months ago.

Training for Stone was 6 weeks in length.   Prior to going on patrol with Stone, he and I trained 5 days a week and worked on different areas each day.  The key foundation to a good police dog is working on obedience every day, as the standard is high that the dog needs to immediately obey commands, or they are unacceptable for police work. 

The Sheriff’s K-9 unit is not budgeted through tax dollars.  Rather, it’s currently operated through the generous donations from local businesses and individuals.  The Sheriff uses all the donations to buy the police dog, training, supplies such as leashes, harnesses, kennels, veterinary costs, toy balls, food, etc. 

The purchase amount for one K-9 and associated expenses is typically around $10,000. If anyone is desiring to donate to the Sheriff’s K-9 fund, please email the Sheriff. 

Special thanks to Ptl. Justin Yoder for his assistance in this column. 

Ask-the-Sheriff a question by emailing Elkhart County Sheriff Brad Rogers at brogers@elkhartcountysheriff.com.

Alert sent on 07/31/2017 at 7:48AM EDT

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