Corporal Jose Cruz and Meko
Corporal Matt Morrison and Rudy
" K-9 "
My eyes are your eyes, to watch and protect you and yours.
My ears are your ears, to hear and detect evil in the dark.
My nose is your nose, to scent the invader of our domain.
And so you may live, my life is also yours.
-Author Unknown
The
Police Service Dog is a valuable tool in the fight against crime for
the Chatham County Sheriff's Office. The Canine Unit trains to be utilized
in multipurpose deployment. Most frequently they are used in tracking
lost persons or fleeing suspects. However they have many other uses.
They can search buildings for unauthorized persons hiding inside. During
the service of search warrants they can be used to search for persons
or illegal narcotics. It may even become necessary to utilize a police
service dog for searching vehicles for illegal naroctics at times. When
requested by the schools the Chatham County Canine Unit assists them
in searching for drugs in our schools.
While our K-9 officer’s primary responsibilities are the protection of officers and civilians they also serve as a link between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.
The use of the Canine Team in demonstrations, exhibitions, and special events opens lines of communication and understanding. The presence of the police service dog stimulates conversation and serves as a link between the officer and the community. There is also a significant psychological impact in the community given the presence of a K-9 officer. The perception of increased security is readily apparent during peripheral conversations during demonstrations and special events.
Given the public perception and the tangible link established by the Canine Team between the department and the community, the K-9 officer is expected to participate in demonstrations, special events, and other exhibitions. During these events, the K-9 officer uses his/her police service dog to educate the community on its use; open a dialogue regarding K-9 operations and community expectations. The K-9 officer is also expected to seize opportunities to use the police service dog to open communication lines and increase understanding and knowledge in the community on a daily basis.
