Law Enforcement Canine Training

Police dogs have become an important aspect of many police departments. Because dogs are able to do many things that people can't--smell drugs, fit into tight spaces, catch a running suspect--they add a valuable dimension to a force's ability to track and apprehend criminals. Dogs are also used on site to diffuse dangerous situations with potential attackers and to intimidate people who are intent on doing harm. Preparing a police dog for these tasks requires specific training.

  1. Function

    • Police dogs are trained to sniff out narcotics and bombs, apprehend criminals, track people, defend their human partners and conduct search and rescue operations, among other things. Because these are specific and dangerous operations, police dogs must be well trained and possess a high level of intelligence and obedience, with a certain level of natural aggression. German shepherds are the most popular canines for police dog training.

    History

    • Police dogs came into popular national use in 1971 with the formation of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). This was the point at which local departments that had been using dogs went national, sharing both their knowledge and experience. The association now meets twice a year to hold lectures and certification trials. Every police dog must be certified by the USPCA to receive funding.

    Behavior

    • Some of the most important training for a police dog involves obedience and commands, specifically how to attach to, take down and then release a suspect. For this reason, "tug," "retrieve" and "release" are three main components of law enforcement canine training. A dog is taught to race toward a suspect on command, attach to the suspect to bring him down and then release the suspect once a member of the police force is present. Dogs are also taught to detect narcotics, people, weapons and bombs on command through extensive scent training.

    Safety

    • Police dogs are regularly put into dangerous situations like live fire circumstances, dangerous traffic stops and bomb detection. They are therefore trained to recognize and respect objects like guns, knives and bombs. It is important that the dogs be able to negotiate safely the presence of weapons while doing their job.

    Partnership

    • The relationship between a police dog and its handler must be very strong for the partnership to work. Because police dogs are highly intelligent and loyal breeds, they will work harder and more efficiently for those to whom they have bonded. A police dog's handler is encouraged to take part in the dog's training and play, and is also encouraged to lie with the dog to foster this important relationship.