K9 Unit

The Show Low Police Department K9 Officer works closely with his canine (K9) partner to enforce the law, apprehend criminals and implement a series of other tasks. The responsibilities of the K9 Officer does not end with his shift. The K9 is the K9 Officer's partner not only at work but also at home. Our K9 Officer takes full responsibility to provide his K9 partner with the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.

Our K9 Units attend formal training attaining National Police Canine Association (NPCA) certification, narcotics certification and membership to the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) before they begin working the streets.

The duties our K9 officer and his dog partner perform can basically be divided into two groups:

General duties include the K9 accompanying his handler on traffic stops or when responding to calls for service or emergencies. The K9 assists in apprehending suspects and in all other public engagements related to law enforcement.

Our K9 Unit is responsible for carrying out more specific tasks where the lead role is performed by the K9. Those tasks include: detecting illegal substances, chemicals or explosives; identify individuals who were in contact with such illicit substances; track and rescue kidnapped or missing persons.

In all cases our K9 Officer and K9 work in coordination. Continuous training is an important part of the life in the K9 Unit.