Come out with your hands up, or we will send in the Police Dog. When the Police Dog finds you, you may be bitten.
These words persuade many suspects to surrender. A shining example of this human and canine policework can be found in Burbank, California. Since its creation 27 years ago, the Burbank Police Department’s K-9 Unit has conducted 32,000 searches resulting in the capture and arrest of countless felony suspects as well as in the seizure of illegal narcotics.
Although K-9 teams work four ten-hour days, they are on call 24-7 and often end up working in the most dangerous environments that law enforcement has to offer. “The dog and his handler lead the pack searching for suspects and any clues he may have dropped. On a drug sweep or perimeter search, a Police Dog can cover a lot of area quickly,” explains Officer Theresa Geier. It would take human officers ten times as long to search the same area, and they'd still never find everything a specialized canine nose can.
Officer Rocco
Riding in his specially equipped vehicle, Rocco the Belgian Malinois is always focused and intense, pacing from side to side. He barks at selected vehicles, but only Police, Taxi and Pizza Delivery cars – maybe the roof-top racks resemble Police lights to his canine eyes. Says Officer Anderson, “Rocco is really calm when not on duty. I guess he gives it his all and tires himself out on the job.”
When an alarm sounds in a home or business, dog and handler cautiously yet confidently approach the location. Teamed with a Police Helicopter poised to alert them to suspects on a roof or dashing from a structure, man (or woman) and dog investigate the scene. Should an Officer need to leave his four-legged partner in the vehicle, air conditioning remains on to prevent Heat Stroke or other distress. If the system fails, a back window fan switches on, screened windows open and an alarm signals the two-legged Officer to the situation.
Staying in Shape Head-to-Tail
To remain in tip-top form, the dogs practice their skills weekly. Once given the command to perform an article search, Caila hits the ground running and bee-lines for the wallet, knife, gloves or whatever objects were planted for her discovery. Once found, the sleek canine goes down on all fours wagging her tail. Caila is trained to give a passive alert – freezing in position when an article is found. Some dogs give aggressive alerts -- barking or retrieving the object -- which can contaminate evidence by removing finger prints and prove dangerous if the dog accidentally swallows the object.
Mutual Aid from Neighboring Cities
Between exercises, rest is imperative because if a dog gets overheated and begins to pant, his olfactory senses aren’t as efficient, making it hard to retrieve the scent of a person or object. This gives another dog the opportunity to train. Since Officers Rocco and Anderson attend monthly SWAT exercises (desensitization to loud sounds, crawling through attics and doing stealth searches – quietly and undetected), Jim -- a Czech Shepherd -- and Officer Saul Esquivel from San Fernando’s Police Department train with Caila. It is reassuring to know cities work together for the benefit of their inhabitants. Ground and air units from Glendale and San Fernando mutually aid Burbank Officers when needed, and Burbank returns the favor. Additionally, members of K-9 Units volunteer their time to educate the public and participate in community activities.
Techniques
During practice many skills are covered including building searches. Imagine the suspect who has robbed a bank, led a high-speed chase, abandoned his car and then barricades himself in a structure only to hear a Police Dog hot on his heels? Wow! His heart must pound audibly when paws scratch and a menacing bark ensues on the opposite side of the door. Caila is an expert at this task, and her skill in clearing a car cannot be surpassed. Sometimes dogs are sent ahead to pull out suspects because even when a driver surrenders, someone else could be hiding in the back seat or the trunk.
Handlers Do a Good Job Too
Giving kudos where kudos are due…not only are the four-legged Officers competent, but so are their two-legged counterparts. In addition to Police Training, Burbank Officers Geier and Anderson are well-versed in their city knowing every street by name and how to arrive at any intersection quickly. They are adept at handling their dogs and care for them completely. Unlike Officers in other divisions, at the end of each shift, Geier and Anderson bring their partners home with them to meld into family life. Whether it’s been a day eclipsed by an action-packed manhunt or an uneventful and routine patrol, these amazing Canine Cops know a restful sleep and a good meal await them as well as a chance to be, well…just a dog – chasing bees, barking and chewing on their favorite toys!
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