K-9 Unit

The Middletown Police Department’s K9 Unit consists of German Shepherds and one Labrador Retriever. Our canines are carefully matched with their handlers to ensure that both can attend and complete a physically and mentally demanding 15 week canine training class with the Connecticut State Police. Upon completion, the K9 Units attend monthly training and yearly recertification to maintain their proficiency.

The members of the K9 Unit support members of the patrol division by responding to calls that may require the use of a canine and at times respond to surrounding towns and cities for mutual aid. Each K9 car is specially designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for the canine.

Partnership

The officers and their K9 partners live together at the officer's residence and are considered a member of their respective families. The K9 team is on call 24 hours a day to respond to support the patrol division. Upon the retirement of either the K9 or the officer, the K9 remains with the officer and their family.

Duties

Our K9s are routinely called upon to:

• Track fleeing suspects or missing persons
• Search for narcotics concealed on persons or in houses, cars, etc.
• Conduct crowd control when necessary
• Search for suspects hiding in buildings or in woods
• Search and locate evidence
• Protect the handler, other officers and citizens
• Be a visible deterrent for criminal activity
• Conduct public demonstrations