K-9

                                                                K-9 Program
                                                          Officer Brian Taylor
                                                             K-9 Officer Victor

Police K-9 Historical Usage

Frequently people outside of Law Enforcement misunderstand how Police K-9's are actually used and deployed. This misunderstanding is reinforced by the media, movies, and fictional references, which mistakenly show the dog's aggression more than they depict how a modern Police K-9 is truly used. The Police K-9 is often perceived as a vicious, snarling animal. Police K-9's are occasionally needed to apprehend criminals by biting, but it's true designed use is to locate suspects who are hiding. Biting is only a small facet of what the dog can be used for in Police work. The vast majority of K-9 deployments results in no one being bitten. As a "force" tool, the Police K-9 is very unique in that the dog can be re-called and stopped unlike the swing of a baton, a spray of chemical agents or a bullet when fired that cannot be stopped once deployed.

The trained Police K-9 possesses several unique assets which make him a successful front line street tool for law enforcement agencies today. His first asset, that of mere presence, often evokes fear in the criminal great enough to cause him to cease his criminal activity and to comply with police. His second asset, his ability to detect, makes him extremely valuable as a locator. Finally, his instinctive desire to defend his loved ones makes him a superb protector for his human partner. Police K-9 Units are available to assist police departments in other jurisdictions when needed.

Police K-9's are used in a variety of situations:

*To search for hidden suspects
         *To search all types of buildings for criminals in hiding
         *To apprehend fleeing suspect
         *To search for lost persons
         *To search for evidence or property connected with a crime
         *To search for illegal drugs that have been hidden

         *To protect the handler, other Officers and citizens
         *To clear vehicles after a high risk felony stop
         *To assist in SWAT operations
         *To act as a deterrent and back up in dangerous situations such as fights, riots and disturbances
         *To conduct public demonstrations

How LeRoy PD Deploys it's Police K-9

LeRoy's Police Department's K-9 is, “Victor” he is an invaluable tool in maintaining the safety of the public and our Officers. His human partner is K-9 Officer Brian Taylor. “Victor” has aided officers all around our region in apprehending, wanted felons, and locating evidence from crime scenes, as well as lost persons. The most common applications that “Victor” performs are tracking and has also been used to assist our Officers when executing search warrants. “Victor” is trained in voice and hand signal, and although he may appear aggressive, is quite docile and friendly in social situations.