K-9 Unit

The mission of the K-9 Unit is to assist with deterring crime, apprehending offenders and increasing the safety of the community and officers. The Unit also works to reduce the effects of illegal drug trafficking and increase the apprehension rate of those involved in the use, sale or manufacture of illegal drugs. The police patrol canine is considered a non-lethal weapon and falls under the control of the Field Operations Bureau. The canines’ keen sense of smell allows them to be used for tracking and searches.

Each canine is assigned to a handler, who is a police Sergeant or above. A new handler attends a five week formal canine handler school with their assigned canine. Being a K9 handler requires dedication as he or she will spend countless hours working and training with the canine in order to achieve and maintain a high level of competency. The handler is also responsible for the canine’s health and welfare.

There are 2 police patrol K9 Units within our police department. One unit is Sergeant Ramsey and K9 Sepsi. The other unit is Sergeant Skelton and K9 Gery.  Sepsi is a Dutch Shepherd and has been a MWCPD K9 since September of 2016.  Gery is from the Belgian Malinois breed of shepherds and has been a MWCPD K9 since September of 2020.