The K-9 Unit continued to focus on the detection of illegal narcotics and suspect location while maintaining superior standards in training and certification.
The K-9 Unit assisted patrol officers in the successful location and apprehension of three felony suspects. All three suspects were tracked from the scene of a felony crime. During one of these incidents the suspect was physically apprehended by deploying a canine.
Numerous narcotic seizures were made by employing the K-9 Unit. Frequently officers requested the canine to perform an air sniff around a vehicle’s exterior which resulted in the detection and location of narcotics or other contraband. Our year was highlighted by the K-9 Unit assisting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department with a vehicle search that produced over 600 pounds of marijuana.
During the fall, training was successfully conducted to replace an injured K-9 handler. After completing a ten week course the new team was certified and the unit was back at full strength.
Both K-9 teams were certified as dual purpose teams. They certified in both narcotics detection and in Police Dog 1 (PD1). The teams certified at Regional Field Trails hosted by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). The canine unit produced a Regional Champion at one of these regional events. Both teams also qualified for and competed at the USPCA National Field Trials held in St. Paul, Minnesota. Both K-9 teams certified nationally receiving National Certifications of Excellence. One of our teams finished first place nationally in agility, and finished 17th overall in the nation.
Both K-9 teams have also been added as a component of the Special Response Team.