Did you know, our K9 unit responds to nearly 10,000 calls for service a year. While on the scene, they can serve various purposes, from being a de-escalation tool, tracking a suspect’s movement, searching for articles, and detecting odors of explosive materials for a select few of our dogs. | San Diego Police Department

Check out some training from our K9 unit! K9 handlers and their dogs go through 14 weeks of schooling before being certified by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). Officers and their K9s train 16 hours a month. Both the handler and the K9 are recertified each year by the USPCA. The Gastonia Police Department has six working K9s. When the K9 retires from duty they go live with their handlers. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram! | Gastonia Police Department