Canine Unit
The Burlington Police Department is comprised of five (5) Canine Teams. Each team consists of a canine handler and a duel-purpose trained canine. The canines are utilized for narcotics detection and patrol work. The canines are trained to search for, and locate, illegal drugs, tracking, evidence searches, building and suspect searches, and criminal apprehension. Whenever the department’s canines are not on the job, they reside with their handler, making for a full-time partnership, not just a work related relationship.
Canine officers apply through their respective chain of command to be considered for a position of K-9 handler. To be considered, officers have to have at least two (2) years of police service. When an officer is selected for the K-9 program, the officer is matched with a K-9 partner and both must attend a basic canine course that can last up to fourteen (14) weeks. After basic training, the K-9 and handler must attend sixteen (16) hours of in-service training each month. The training covers a variety of topics to include, legal updates and legal issues, suspect tracking, drug and article searches, among other important issues to the K-9 teams.
The K-9 teams attend annual certification trials conducted by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). After completion of the trials, K-9 teams are certified in a range of categories. Along with membership in the USPCA, some K-9 members belong to other police canine organizations and attend additional training conducted through those organizations.
The Burlington Police Department’s canine program uses two distinct breeds of canine for the program. German Shepards and Belgian Malinois are used exclusively and both breeds have a proven record of intelligence, bravery, and athletic ability. German Shepards and Belgian Malinois have a heritage and history as working dogs in the herding class; their extreme sense of smell, alertness, and loyalty to their handler make them a valuable asset in times of danger.
Belgian Malinois at work
Region 2 US Police Canine Association
United State Police Canine Association
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