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Running with the Big Dogs

NCJ Number
223321
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 29 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2005 Pages: 46,48,51
Author(s)
Marcus Wynne
Date Published
May 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Insights from dog handlers with the Decatur (IL) Police Department provides essential information for an effectively run K-9 unit.
Abstract
The Decatur (IL) Police Department has learned that with the right ingredients even a small agency can run and operate an effective K-9 unit. These ingredients for a K-9 unit include: (1) dedication and commitment to intensive training by handlers; (2) perseverance in overcoming departmental and community stumbling blocks; (3) learning from past mistakes; (4) meeting handler requirements; (5) understanding operational costs; (6) supervision of day-to-day operations; and (7) maintaining clear administrative policy and good public perception management. All of the ingredients should have good people, quality dogs and equipment, high-quality initial and ongoing training. The article also discusses the problems involved with starting a K-9 program and insights from the dog handlers in the Decatur Police Department K-9 program.