How to Become a K-9 Police Officer

Many people who have an interest in both law enforcement and animals find themselves attracted to the work of K-9 police officers. Law enforcement canine units are often among the most coveted slots in police agencies, but just how do you become such an officer? Are there special requirements and training to consider?

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A high school diploma, at minimum, with possibly some college coursework
• 3-5 years' experience as a uniformed police officer

1. Obtain a high school diploma, or its equivalent. Most law enforcement agencies require at least a high school diploma and some even require or prefer some college education and/or an associate or bachelor's degree.

2. Check with the law enforcement agencies in your area about the physical requirements for basic police recruitment. These requirements can vary from one locality to another and from state to sate. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and in many communities must meet certain minimum requirements for height, weight, eyesight and hearing. Rigorous physical exams are also sometimes required. And of course, you should make sure the agency for which you apply has a police dog unit in its division before you decide to apply for the agency.

3. Check with law enforcement in your area for the training and testing requirements specific to those agencies. Generally, applicants must pass written tests that measure analytical skills, and background checks are also required. Recruits often must attend police academies for classroom training and if they pass all tests (including a civil service test), train with a senior officer for a period of time, usually several months.

4. Spend three to five years minimum and sometimes longer (depending upon the jurisdiction) in regular uniformed officer duties before you'll be able to apply for the K-9 unit. Preference for special units like a K-9 is usually given to officers with high performance ratings and commendations, so performing well in your job will assist your future K-9 application.

5. Donate your time to work with K-9s in training, apart from your regular officer duties. Get to know the current officers in that division. This will give you an edge when it comes time to apply for open K-9 officer positions.

6. Apply for K-9 officer positions when they become available and when you meet the minimum requirements in your agency, being aware that these positions will require additional training.

7. Spend time training with your new canine partner. The length and type of training will again vary from one agency to another. For instance, in Oregon, handler and canines have to complete a minimum of 400 hours of basic training and pass the Oregon Police Canine Association Standards.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're still in high school or college, check with the local police agencies for cadet or trainee programs for students, which can help get you hired as a police officer faster and more easily when you graduate. If you attend a criminal justice training school, your chances are much greater of being promoted first and of receiving higher pay.

• K-9 officers often have even more rigorous and demanding schedules than other officers and have to be able to respond in their off-duty hours. K-9 officers are usually expected to make a multiyear commitment to the unit due to the intensive training involved. K-9 officers take their dogs home, which means the animals require regular exercise, attention and continuing training, which can take a toll on certain family and living conditions. Obviously, the officer's home and neighborhood have to allow pets and family members can't have allergies to dogs.

References

• US Police Canine Association
• National Police Canine Association
• Police K9 Training

Resources

• Criminal Justice Careers
• Police Officer Job Descriptions