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K-9 Unit

The Medicine Hat Police K-9 Unit has been in operation for 28 years. The K-9 Unit started in 1980 with two dogs. The Unit grew in 1985 consisting of 4 dogs and 4 handlers, which we still have today. This allows street coverage, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

View Current Police Service Dogs here

The Dog team's primary purpose is to attend scenes of crimes that are in progress or that have just occurred, for example break and enters, theft from autos, assaults and robberies.

The ability of the police service dog (P.S.D.) makes them ideal partners in many areas. The training of the dogs allows them to follow human scent and gives them the ability to track and locate suspects. The dogs are used to search and clear buildings where alarms have been received and it is suspected someone has illegally entered. The dogs can also locate evidence, which may be related to a crime. All the dogs are cross-trained in the locating of narcotics. When not patrolling, our canine teams are trained to assist T.A.C.T (Tactical Arrest Control Team).

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Dog handlers work only one dog and are responsible for them at all times. Dogs remain on the Unit as long as they are able to perform the duties required of them. Once the dogs reach an age that they are no longer able to work, they are retired to their handler.

The Medicine Hat Police K-9 Unit are members of the Canadian Police Canine Association (CPCA) and the Alberta Law Enforcement K-9 Association (ALEKA).

View Current Police Service Dogs here