Date posted: November 21, 2017

The CPNW K9 unit is always on standby for first level response to any crime scene or for community assistance. The dogs and handlers have been trained to man-trail from a scented item and have successfully accomplished tracking exercises well in excess of 3 km through varying terrain.

To date the K9 unit has assisted in the location of missing persons, property and livestock. They have also been used to establish the modus operandi of crimes in the neighborhood.

How it works

The dog scents either from an item that has been handled by a person or  from an area with recent footprints.

The dog will track on the most recent scent, so there are a few simple but extremely important steps to follow in order to ensure a successful trail.

Rules for Successful Tracking

1.    Establish a perimeter around the crime scene and try as much as possible to keep unauthorized personnel away from the scene until the dog and handler have arrived.

2.    In the event of a break-in, advise the handler of where the break-in entry and exit points are. The dog can scent off items such as windowsills, chairs etc.

3.    Identify items that can be used for scenting but don’t touch or move them around. The dog is trained to follow the most recent scent on the item. If you do inadvertently touch an item please stay at the scene until the dog arrives. This enables the dog to eliminate you as a person to track.

4.    If stolen items such as TVs, phones, etc, are found in the general vicinity, please radio in the information, but don’t move or touch the stolen item. If the item is valuable, stand a short distance away to guard it and wait for either the dog team to arrive or permission via the radio controller to remove it. A moved item is no good for scenting because the scent trail will have been broken.

5.    Please put your own dogs or cats away in a separate room until the tracking has commenced.

6.    The dogs are in work mode, please do not pet or feed them!