The Canine Program began in the mid 1980’s as an asset to patrol in searching and locating fleeing felons, lost children, and missing persons. The primary purpose of the canine unit, when it was first created as a position in the police department, was to be used in tracking. It was also used for public demonstrations, crowd control, officer protection, and as a backup to the canine officer when arresting combative subjects and bringing them under control.

How many dogs are in the Canine Program?
Currently, there are two full-time canine handlers in uniform patrol. Canines work patrol after they and their handlers have undergone the basic training program, and after the canines have been acclimated for use in patrol cars.

What do these dogs do?
One canine is used in the detection of explosives. One of the canines currently in use also have been trained in narcotics detection. Both canines are used in search warrants.

The canine unit also makes regular appearances each year at the local schools and the Rocklin Jubilee to demonstrate how the dogs are trained and how they interact with their handlers.

Questions?
Contact patrol operations by email at Access Rocklin.