What Makes K9s So Special to Law Enforcement?

Why do we need dogs in police work? Quite simply, because dogs can do what no human or machine can do. By virtue of their extremely keen senses, especially smell, they are able to locate people, narcotics and explosives that would otherwise go undetected. Everything in the world “stinks,” that is, everything has its own, distinct odor. When a dog is trained to locate specific odors, presto an invaluable crime-fighting resource is available to law enforcement.

 

A suspect may hide from view but he cannot hide his odor. Whenever possible K9 Teams (meaning a Deputy Handler and a dog) will conduct searches, this allows a greater area to be canvassed and secured, much faster and safer than those done solely by regular Patrol Units.

 

Everyone (except suspects) benefits when K9s are on a search. When Deputies search without the help of K9s there’s a better chance that a suspect can conceal himself (especially at night) and escape. With a K9’s intuitive sense of smell and hearing, they’ll identify hidden suspects long before searching officers become aware of a suspect’s position.

 

More than a Benefit to the Sheriff’s Department

The most common use of K9 Teams involves searching for suspects who have fled on foot and “escaped.” People become quite creative when trying to hide. K9s and their Handlers have learned not to take anything for granted as suspects have turned up in the most bizarre of places.

 

“Suspects hide in trees, bushes, cabinets, closets, cars, sheds, attics, and just about anywhere they can fit themselves into when being pursued by the police. Typically, they hide in places that you wouldn’t think to look; and that’s why a dog is of such a great assistance when searching, they don’t have preconceived notions about where to look.” says Sgt. Greg Barger, the Handler now responsible for Rudy.

 

There is a great demand for the K9 Teams and they are routinely called into service in the field. They’re available twenty-four hours a day seven days a week, there is no such thing as a typical duty day. Historically, the nighttime hours see the largest call volume for K9 assistance. Since there is not an unlimited supply of K9s and Handlers, managing resources can get tricky.

 

While K9s are very hard working, they do need rest (especially in Tucson’s extreme heat conditions). If not monitored K9s will “overheat” or work to exhaustion. Since a dog cools itself through its lungs, which require a lot of air, preferably cool air. Heat can be a killer.

 

On extended searches K9 Handlers watch closely for signs of heat exhaustion. K9's aren't routinely exposed to extreme temperatures unless the urgency of the situation dictates it or if there is not another team to continue the search.