The Niagara Regional Police Canine (K9) Unit was formed in 1989
and consisted of one Police Service Dog (PSD). At its peak, there
were a total of seven patrol dogs, two cross-trained for narcotics
and one Explosives Detection Dog (EDD). In 2001, the unit was
reduced to six teams due to budgetary constraints.
Currently all of our patrol dogs
are German Shepherds. The breed is chosen for their physical
ability, strength and intelligence. A strong temperament is very
important as these dogs are expected to perform in stressful
situations.
Police Service Dogs have many
responsibilities. Their expertise includes tracking, agility,
article search, building search, open search, chase and
apprehension, and handler protection. There are two Police Service
Dogs that assist at every tactical call. They are utilized to
provide containment and to assist our Emergency Task Unit. Our
handlers are on call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
All handlers must complete an extensive thirteen week course where
the handler and dog learn as a team.
Most of the dogs are imported from
eastern European countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic. We are very grateful for private donations from
the community which have assisted with the purchase of dogs. A
quality source is imperative as these animals have a huge
responsibility to keep our members and the public safe.
These are highly-trained and
assertive animals, however, they are able to interact with the
public. The Canine Unit is responsible for approximately fifty public demonstrations per year. The teams attend public
functions and school presentations.
These demonstrations allow us to
showcase the abilities of our canine partners and inform the
public of their importance.
The Niagara Regional Police Service's Canine
Unit can be reached at:
(905) 688-4111 ext.
5540
You can also reach
the Canine Unit via email at k9@nrps.com
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