Training Certification & Reliability of Police Service Dogs

Certified police service dogs assist law enforcement in finding criminals and evidence.

Police service dogs are used to help local, state and federal officers apprehend violent criminals and find evidence, explosives and narcotics. Training schools prepare the dog and its handler for certifications in a specific area.

Types of Certifications

The dog must demonstrate control and agility and will be certified in areas in which he is proficient, according to AmericanWorkingDog.com. Dogs can be certified in narcotic detection, aggression control, area search, building search and cadaver detection, among other specialties. Testing guidelines and requirements vary by certification type.

Reliability

The American Police Canine Association recommends that police service dog teams graduating from training schools be tested and certified. Certification tests ensure reliability of police service dogs. Police service dog teams consist of the dog and its handler. Police service dogs that pass the certification tests can be reliable testimony in court. Reliable dogs are intelligent, obedient, social and have a desire to please their handlers, according to the San Diego State University Police Department.

Other Certification Information

All tests are given on a pass or fail basis. Certifications are valid for two years from the issue date, except for explosion detection certifications, which are valid for one year. TheAPCA.com indicates that any service dog team that fails a certification test can reapply to take the test again.

References

• AmericanWorkingDog.com: Certification Standards
• American Police Canine Association: American Police Canine Association Certification Standards
• SDSU Police Department: K-9 Unit