What Is Required to Become a K-9 Officer?
K-9 police officers are officers specially trained to handle police dogs. The officers work with the dogs to apprehend criminals, sniff out drugs or bombs, and track missing individuals. K-9 officers require more training than regular police officers.
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Education
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A K-9 police officer must have at least an associate's degree, although most forces require recruits to have a bachelor's degree. Criminal justice is the most popular major for police officers.
Police Academy
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K-9 police officers must complete basic training in the police academy. Police academy training consists of a rigorous regimen of physical fitness and self-defense training, as well as tactical training such as weapons handling and the criminal code.
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On-the-Job Experience
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An applicant for the K-9 unit must complete two to four years of on-the-job training as a regular police officer before applying. The exact amount of on the job experience required varies from agency to agency.
Training
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Once your application to the K-9 unit is accepted, you must undergo extensive training with your dog. Training will include obedience training with the dog, ride-alongs with established officers and simulated criminal apprehension.
Flexibility
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A K-9 officer must be flexible in terms of scheduling. The officer and her dog may be required to search schools or prisons, search for missing individuals or a variety of other jobs. The officer must often be on call 24 hours a day, and be able to travel with short notice.
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References
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