Position Description of a K9 Officer
A K9 officer is a police officer who works with dogs that are trained to perform a variety of law enforcement duties. Both the officers and the dogs receive specialized training.
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Educational Requirements
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K9 officers must have a high school diploma or a GED and must be U.S. citizens. They must pass several physical examinations before acceptance into a 12- to 14-week-long police academy program. Police academy students learn about state and constitutional law, as well as firearm usage and emergency aid. Officers must complete an associate degree program in law enforcement after graduating from police academy.
K9 Training
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Police officers must work on patrol for two to four years before they can request to join a K9 unit, according to the Police Employment website. Approved applicants complete a training program that teaches the officer and dog how to work together to find illegal drugs, cadavers and bombs. They also train to perform routine jobs, such as vehicle and prison checks.
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Job Outlook and Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 police officers earned between $31,400 and $83,550. The Police Employment website indicates that positions for K9 officers are limited.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit german shepherd image by Aleksander from Fotolia.com