HPD's K-9 Team is comprised of four officers, all of which are full time handlers. The officers are assigned to work closely with the Patrol Division for rapid response and support of daily duties. The department has two other dogs with part time handlers which brings the total to six.
Each member of the unit has been partnered with either a Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd and they train on a weekly basis to hone their skills and develop strong relationships.
The dogs are trained in patrol utility work or scent detection work and must be commanded in their native language of either Dutch, Czechoslovakian or German.
Patrol utility work is comprised of tracking, article searches, building searches, and apprehensions, while scent detection work includes narcotic and explosive detection. HPD's dogs live with the handler and after a long career of service they can retire at the officer's residence.
Contact:
Lieutenant Chris Monahan
Chris.Monahan@harrisonburgva.gov
540-437-2684
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