Police Department

Canine Team

The Vernon Police Department K-9 Unit employs police officers with specialized skills and highly trained K-9’s to support the department in meeting its law enforcement mission. The K-9 teams provide all the usual capabilities of patrol officers with the additional capabilities of the trained canine. These special skills enable K-9 teams to track and locate missing or wanted persons, locate evidence or lost property, apprehend fleeing or combative fugitives, and pinpoint hidden contraband.

Regularly these teams must train to maintain their proficiency and to remain deployed as an operational asset. This constant training of the teams maintains a high level of readiness, ensuring the Vernon community that each K-9 Unit is prepared for any eventuality.

The Belgian Malinois dog is the department’s choice for patrol K-9 operations, and is usually imported from Europe. The European breed is closely regulated, monitored, and developed for utilization as working dogs.  The Malinois are also highly regarded for their physical beauty. Because requirements for police K-9’s are high, the physical demands and required intelligence, courage, and loyalty make this breed very suitable for police service.

In addition to the law enforcement mission, the Vernon Police K-9 Unit performs public demonstrations and visits to local schools and civic organizations. Civic organizations may request demonstrations by contacting the Vernon Police Department Canine Lieutenant at 323-587-5171.