Law Enforcement Specialties >> Special Units (K9, SWAT, etc.) >> What can I do to better my chances of getting picked as a K-9 unit Officer
What can I do to better my chances of getting picked as a K-9 unit Officer
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Posted 2 months ago I am 22 and have been in corrections for the past 3 years I want to be on the streets soon I hope.... The division I work for now wants to have a K-9 for the jails due to a great deal of drugs going on found in the jail system around here...What can I do as far as education our whatever to be pickedfor this position... I have always wanted our I should say dreamed of being what we call around here a K-9 operator.... Thanks for anyones time i answering this posting..... |
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| Posted 2 months ago As a former K9 Handler, I can tell you one of the most important things you can get yourself familiar with is existing case law out there related to dogs. K9fleck.org is a pretty good site for that. Additionally, I would try and get in touch with local handlers in your area and spend some time with them if they're willing to have you hang about. That's where you're going to get the best and most accurate information to help you not only move into the field, but make an educated decision about the commitment required of a K9 Handler. |
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| Posted 2 months ago Time is the big thin, don't expect to walk into a K9 spot being fresh on the road. PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY! |
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| Posted 2 months ago Most departments consider K9 as a special assignment. As such it would depend on how your departments handles such assignments. Usually they come from volunteers that have shown an interest in being canine. More importantly, they look at an officers over all performance. If an officer can't handle, or handles poorly, the job they currently have, they won't be a good canine officer. Canines in my experience usually become the "go to" person relative search and seizure. It would be good to have some knowledge in that area. As poster jcadwalader pointed out, Terry Fleck's website is, in my opinion, the most comprehensive collection of legal aspect for a canine officer, available anywhere. I can't speak for your department, but in our, a Trooper has to have finished the academy, FTO and spend 5 years on the road, learning the job before they are eligible for any special assignment, including canine. If you want it, learn all you can, prepare yourself the best you can, let those that have the 'say' know your desires and don't give up. Beyond fatigue lies compensatory hypertrophy |
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| Posted 2 months ago Get out to K9 training with other handlers, be the decoy and get a heads-up on the tactics currently in use so you can smooth through the interview. |
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| Posted 2 months ago motor0121 says ...
Yeah- show an intrest and help out is one of the best ways to show you are serious about it and you will pick up on lots of different techniques by just participating if you get picked. |
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| Posted 2 months ago motor0121 says ...
Couldn't be more correct. Not saying the others aren't (they're all excellent advise), but this is how i got in. I've been a handler now for over two years and wouldn't give it up for anything. The dog that i have now, K-9 Axel, (shown in my picture) was with another officer before me. I had a HUGE interest in K-9 and told the other officer that if i could do anything to help out, to let me know. For over a year i decoyed for him. I took bite after bite, bruise after bruise. I hid in the woods with bugs biting me, just so the dog could track me and even hid narcotics for him. By doing this i learned how the dog operated and even learned his commands. At one point i went with him (as a decoy) to perform demonstrations and new so much about the dog that i was answering the crowds questions. Unfortunately, the other officer sustained a ruptured disk in his back and could no longer perform K-9 duties. Due to me knowing the dog so well and the dog knowing me, the Chief handed the dog to me and i took over. That truly ticked off a lot of people because they were senior to me and wanted the "K-9" title, but they didn't do a damn thing to show interest or earn it. Good Luck to you!!! |
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| Posted 2 months ago Learn the ins and outs of the K-9 program. Do they currently have one, did they have one in the past? Starting asking those questions. Do some background work and show interest and initiative. Like the others have said, go to other dept's and work with them. Decoy, hunt the web, do your homework. Also know this, having a K-9 is not all fun and games, it takes TONS of work, not just your regular training days, and such, but lots of off time work. It is a big responsibility to have one. Best of luck to you |
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| Posted 2 months ago You have to know your job inside and out first, before you can even consider a spot as a K9 handler. Our dept requires a minimum 3 years street experience before you can even apply. Learn as much as you possibly can about K9 and be genuinely prepared for what may be the most intensive training you'll ever go through (at least if it's done right). I've never heard a new K9 handler say, "wow, this isn't as tough as I thought it would be." Be thorough in all your documentation as that is a huge part of the of a K9 officer. As others have said, knowing your case law and search and seizure will be a plus, but that should also be taught in your basic K9 class. If it is, you'll be ahead of the curve. If you're married or in a serious relationship, MAKE SURE you have the support of your significant other. THAT is huge! Make sure you know your limits and policies in use of force situations...no one who is a hothead should work a dog...bad things will inevitably happen. Adopt an approach to your job in which you work well without supervision and demonstrate an ability to make quick (and proper) decisions in rapidly unfolding situations. If you can do these things, along with getting out to some training sessions, you'll have a real good chance at the best area of specialization in law enforcement. Good luck! |