Posted: 7/1/2006 8:00:39 PM EDT
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I'm headed off to college for Veterinary Science (Bachelors Degree) and am thinking of a couple career fields. There's the Veterinarian/Vet Tech route and a few others, and then I came across the idea of working for a police department. My understanding is that to get into K9, you become an officer and when there is an opening, apply and try-out. Am I right? How does K9 differ from being a normal officer, and how is it the same? (I saw 3 NYS Troopers today directing traffic in an area where the floods had washed out bridges/road/power/etc. 2 were K9.) Does anyone's department use breeds besides Labs, Shepherds, and Malinois? (LawDogsUSA program with Pit Bulls www.lawdogsusa.org ) I'm going to be contacting the Sheriffs Department to see if I can ride along with an officer, any other advice? Thanks! |
| I would not join a police department on the idea of being a K-9 Officer one day. I tested and was selected for K-9 and I was only in the department for 5 years. I have a friend that works for a larger agency and it took him 9 years. Our unit is a dedicated K-9 Unit. Im called when needed. Many officers may be assigned to patrol or work some kind of task force. It's not easy to get into, but I would not trade it for any job in the world. |
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I lucked out and was selected to fill the one and only opening my department had after only being on 3.5 years. We've since added one other position. We both work patrol and do call outs. Great job in the sense that you respond to just about every hot call and get to see and do a lot of shit. |
| in my department we used to have a k-9 and then they got rid of it. Due to the huge drug problem we got grant money to get it back. anyone interested applied and went through the process. i got it and went to schools and there is lots of training. but its great job, and good benefits to having a dog. bad thing is working in a small PD you never have time off cuz someone is always calling for the dog |
It's good for that, but all too often, K9 guys are seen as the go-gettem, dog guys forever. I know in departments in our area, a K9 guy is and will always be seen as a K9 guy, and it's rare for them to go ANY higher. |
True...here (where VG is) at least. You might...just might, mind you...work one dog to retirement and be able to move on, but I kinda doubt it. You will be stereotyped as a "dog guy" for life. I was Unit Supervisor when I retired and one of the very few things I miss is putting that dog on the ground and chasing bad guys. I loved Canine, but when I took it I knew I was not going anywhere else, and did not want to. I think it is the absolute best job in LE, bar none, but you ain't gonna make big rank looking at a dog's ass! All the dogs I have worked have been smarter than most of the guys I worked with and ALL of the guys I worked FOR. 
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