Metro/SWAT
K-9 Unit
METRO/SWAT Bureau
Denver Police Department K-9 Unit
The Denver Police Canine Unit has been in existence since 1960. It is currently is comprised of six patrol dogs and one bomb dog. In the 1960's, K-9 teams were used extensively for crowd control due to the high incidents of civil unrest during this period. The six patrol dog teams currently being deployed for the Denver Police Department are primarily used to enhance the safety of officers, citizens and suspects. This is accomplished by providing increased efficiency in locating and apprehending the criminal element. Additionally, Police Service Dogs can be used to locate evidence and indicate and locate on the presence of odors, i.e. narcotics and explosives.
The Police Service Dogs assigned to the METRO/K-9 Unit are most frequently utilized in the following areas.
BUILDING SEARCHES: Response to silent alarms
AREA SEARCHES: Response to crimes in progress or suspect(s) at large in geographical area.
PUBLIC RELATIONS DEMO'S: Request for demonstration by community groups, schools, companies.
EXPLOSIVE SEARCHES: Response to suspicious devices or packages, area sweeps for explosives.
EVIDENCE SEARCHES: Requested searches for weapons or specific articles.
CANINE NON-PHYSICAL APPREHENSIONS: Apprehension of suspect secreted from police.
CANINE PHYSICAL APPREHENSION: Apprehension of suspect where K-9 engages suspect.
DETERRENT ACTION: K-9 utilized in guarding multiple suspects during field contacts, etc.
OTHER ACTIONS: Assist SWAT team with inner perimeter containment, locating suspects during high risk tactical operations, containment on immediate entry warrants, etc.
While the METRO/K-9 Unit provides many special services, they also supplement the patrol division. METRO/K-9 Units routinely handle calls for service, enforce traffic ordinances, perform saturation patrol in high crime areas, and cover district officers. This in addition to maintaining the continuous training demands required of a canine handler.
Police Service Dogs serve an invaluable function within the Denver Police Department. The impact on safety, efficiency and community relations cannot be stressed enough.