The Edmonton Police Service Canine Unit was officially formed in 1967 by Val Vallevand. Presently there are 12 handler and dog teams and one Sergeant who are stationed at one of the finest kennel facilities in North America. The 11 dogs currently in the unit include 12 general purpose dogs, of which two are cross trained for narcotic detection.
Members of the Canine Unit provide the citizens of Edmonton with 24 hour a day, seven days a week service. The teams respond to calls that involve tracking, criminal apprehension, area / building searches, evidence searches, and narcotic / explosive detection.
The Edmonton Police Service Canine Unit has a long and proud history with both members and their dedicated partners committed to taking a “Bite out of Crime” in Edmonton.
Training
To become a member of the Canine Unit Constables must have a minimum of eight years on the job. During that time Constables who have an interest in becoming a dog handler begin training with the unit on their time off as quarries or what you might call potential bad guys.
They learn to lay tracks, take dog bites, and hide in the most difficult and uncomfortable places. Quarries with enough seniority may then apply to be puppy holders of potential police service dogs. Due to the high standards set within the unit only the most qualified and dedicated applicants and dogs are accepted. When the puppy reaches one year to one and a half years old the dog and handler enter into an extensive training period.
During training the teams learn to become proficient in the areas of tracking, criminal apprehension, searching, obedience, and agility. Presently, Police Service Dogs and their handlers can remain in the unit for up to seven years which is considered the most productive years of a police dogs life. The primary function of the Canine Unit is to provide support to the Patrol Officers on the street. The teams respond to any or all crimes in progress where suspects are fleeing on foot or possibly hidden away. The unit has expanded it’s services and now also uses trained Narcotic Detection and Explosive Detection dogs.