Concordia Ontario Academy is pleased to announce it has partnered with the Niagara Regional Police Service and the Canine (K9) Unit will be using our school campus as a training facility for their Police Service Dog Unit during the evening and on weekends. We are proud to support our local community, and partnering with the local police service is just another example of our commitment to our community.
Canine (K9) Unit
The Niagara Regional Police Canine (K9) Unit was formed in 1988 and consisted of one Police Service Dog (PSD). Currently there are a total of seven patrol dogs assigned to the Canine Unit. Five cross-trained for narcotics and two cross-trained for explosive detection.
Currently, the Canine Unit has both German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois’ assigned to the unit. These breeds are chosen for their physical ability, strength, and intelligence. A strong temperament is very important as these dogs are expected to perform in stressful situations. Police Service Dogs have many responsibilities. Their expertise includes tracking, agility, article search, building search, open search, chase and apprehension, and handler protection.
There are two Police Service Dogs that assist at every tactical call. They are utilized to provide containment and to assist our Emergency Task Unit. The handlers are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. All handlers must complete an extensive 15-week course where the handler and dog learn as a team.
Most of the dogs are imported from countries such as Belgium, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. We are very grateful for private donations from the community which has assisted with the purchase of dogs. A quality source is imperative as these animals have a huge responsibility to keep our members and the public safe.
These are highly trained and assertive animals; however, they are able to interact with the public. The Canine Unit is responsible for approximately one hundred public demonstrations per year. The teams attend public functions and school presentations.
These demonstrations allow the K9 Unit to showcase the abilities of their canine partners and inform the public of their importance.
Training
All of the K9 teams must successfully complete a fifteen-week course prior to certification and includes all facets required for graduation of a General Patrol Dog.
The course begins with confidence building, general socialization, and obedience. During this time, the team develops a foundation as it learns together. Each task is introduced separately to the dog. They are introduced to the next step on successfully completing the first task. This builds a strong base and allows the dog to progress at a steady pace.
This course is physically and mentally challenging. It places many demands on the canine team. The trainers must ensure that the team can meet all the expected requirements in stressful situations. These dogs have a huge responsibility to keep our members and the public safe.
On completion, the canine team is ready for general patrol. Canine teams must recertify twice a year. Weekly training with various police services allows different teams to share valuable information and new training ideas. It is a constant flow of information and a great resource.
Deployment
Currently, the unit consists of seven teams which service the Niagara Region. The K9 Unit is also requested to assist with surrounding jurisdictions on an emergency basis. Their primary purpose is to respond to crimes in progress that may be solved with the assistance of the PSD. Examples are (but not restricted to) robberies, breaking and enters, and thefts. The K9 Unit responds to all tactical calls in conjunction with the Emergency Task Unit. They also assist uniform officers with non-emergency calls for service to ensure quicker response times.
The K9 handlers take their dogs home at the end of their shift and are responsible for them at all times. They are housed in kennels that are provided by the service. The dogs remain as part of the K9 unit as long as they are physically able to perform their duties. The average years of service for a PSD is five, but can extend up to ten years. Upon retirement, PSDs remain with their handler for the remainder of their life.
The K9 teams are deployed in specially outfitted marked uniform cruisers. The rear seat has a professionally designed metal canine kennel. This provides a clean, safe, and protected environment for the dogs. Affixed to the kennel system is their recently donated “Hot dog/bailout” system. This allows the officer to electronically open a rear door, permitting an instant exit and an immediate response of his or her canine partner.
The primary purpose for the deployment of PSDs is an effective and efficient search tool. Their sense of smell is far superior to a human’s, which makes them a valuable asset. Police Service Dogs have helped to solve many offences where the perpetrator would never have been captured or identified. These dogs are invaluable in searching for missing persons, patients that have wandered away from a nursing home or other health facility. Without the ability to re-trace their steps, they might never have been found.
These animals are truly a resource that cannot be understated.
We at Concordia Ontario Academy wish the K9 Unit and the Police Service Dogs all the best as they begin their training on our school campus. Good luck!
About Concordia Ontario Academy
Concordia Ontario Academy was established in Niagara Falls in 2021 despite the Covid-19 pandemic. COA offers K-12 programs including OSSD, IFP, university prep programs, Berklee College of Music pathway and other sports and arts programs. Programs are available online and students can also take offline in our Korea campus or Niagara Falls campus in Canada.
Learn more: https://concordia-academy.com/
