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.