Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I was wondering on average how many years does it take to become a K9 Officer? I know that all departments are different and it depends on the size and how many K9 Officers a department has. Also, are your functions during a shift the same as a patrol officer, but it is different when you get a call that needs a dog to help out.


Sampras2

In my experience most departments require 2 to 5 years on patrol before being eligible for any special duty, which includes K9. That is not to say that everyone has those requirements. Getting into K9 however may take longer depending on the number of dogs available. We have a 40+ dog section and there are more volunteers than dogs available.

DFrost

At my department you need 3 years of patrol experience before you can apply for any specialty positions. That said, you need to put your time in on the street... you need to be very aggressive in your patrol work... you must have a love for dogs....be very level headed.... long fused.

At my department K9 is a support role.... you are a patrolman just like everyone else until the dog is needed. In some larger agencies you have so much work that all you may do is handle a dog....it's agency specific.

Can vary.

My dept (smaller PD/around 70) requires an officer to be on at least a year before they can put in with a special team (including K9). Our newest K9 officer is a female who had barely been on a year. Interviewed well and got the position.

What is a normal path into K9?


Usually through it's mouth







































Sorry, it's been one of those days and I REALLY couldn't resist.

What is a normal path into K9?


Well, if you're walking behind it, watch where you step :D

Cheyenne! That's an exit not an entrance! lol

Work your butt off as a patrol officer. Make a name for yourself being a good cop and a go getter. Learn K9 legal issues and departmental policies, you will be asked during the interview for the unit. It tends to be a very competitive spot so while you may qualify after 3-5 years it usually takes much more.