Q: Do the K9's live at home with their handlers?

A: Yes, the dogs are cared for by the handler and a part of the handlers family while off duty. The dogs are well cared for and get plenty of attention and rest while off duty.

 

Q: Do the K9's attend community events?

A: While each agency varies in their proceedures, for the most part we do have K9 demo's for groups and social gatherings on a regular basis. The dogs are not available for private functions or birthday parties. To schedule an appearance for your group, call your local police department. Links are found under the member agencies tab.

 

Q: Can I support my K9 squad?

A: Yes, we operate on a very tight budget and we are always looking for community support in order to send the dogs and their handlers to more specialized training. In order to make a donation to the SJPD K9 unit, contact your local K9 Squad. Links are found under the member agencies tab.

 

Q: How much training do the dogs receive?

A: Initially, patrol dogs and their handlers receive over 700 hours of training. After that, an average of 4-8 hours per week is needed at a minimum to keep the dogs at a high level of performance.

 

Q: Can I pet the dogs?

A: As with any animal, you always want to speak to the handler and get permission before you touch them. Our dogs are trained to protect themselves and their handlers and it is important that a proper introduction be made to the dog prior to any contact.

Additionally, taunting, harassing, or hurting a police service animal is a serious crime and is prosecuted aggressively. It is a third degree felony to cause injury or death to a Police K9.

 

Q: If I see K9's being deployed in my neighborhood, what should I do?

A: Stay inside your home. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious and report it to police dispatch at 840-4000. Coming outside not only puts you and the handler at risk, it can distract the K9 from the task they are doing. Be aware that we do often train in neighborhoods, so the mere presence of a police dog in a neighborhood does not necessarily mean there is a problem.

 

Q: What kind of dogs do you use?

A: Each department is different based on need. Dogs such as a Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd Dog, Bloodhound, and Labrador are common selections.

 

Q: Who trains the dogs?

A: Each handler trains their dog in house with assistance from K9 instructors and the Utah Peace Officers Standards and Training K9 Program.

 

Q: How much does a Police K9 cost?

A: Initial cost for a dog is around $8,000.00 - $10,000.00. Because these dogs perform such a valuable service for the community, the payback is usually very quick. Due to the high standards required for the dogs we do not accept donations of dogs from private individuals. Most K9 squads rely on monetary donations to supplement their programs.

 

Q: How good are their noses?

A: No one really knows. There are currently no scientific instruments that can detect scent at the level dogs can. We do know that dogs have 20 times the amount of scent receptors that humans do. Dogs also have a larger portion of their brain, which is dedicated to the sense of smell.

 

Q: Do the dogs train in Neighborhoods?

A: It is not uncommon to see K-9 Officers conducted training in real life settings such as simulating tracking a suspect in a residential area or field. K-9 Officer's mostly work in the night time hours and conduct training at night, on some occasions however, training this may occur in the daytime. If you see K-9 Officer's in the area please stay in your house and if you have questions contact police dispatch for further information.