LAW ENFORCEMENT
body. Bloodhounds excel in deep woods engagements when
hunting fugitives, lost children or hikers.
FIRST-CLASS COURSE
The training course, which is a work in progress, was
designed with input from the handlers. “There is a need for
night lights, due to blind spots,” Sabol says. “They are not the
kind you can go out and purchase, they need to be manufactured
Officer Will Harris uses hand signals and voice commands during a training
session with his K-9 partner, Oliver, a Belgian Malinois who specializes in
the detection of explosives.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 9
and installed.”
The new features provide the best in joint training for other
agencies, too. The facilities are available to municipalities
throughout the state. In March, Port St. Lucie competed with
more than 40 other cities at the South Florida Police Canine
competition in Boynton Beach, earning fourth place. “The
officers dedicated six months of their own time, applying the
high energy of their K-9 dog and a strong work ethic to make
it happen,” Master Sgt. Mike Beath says.
Initially, a minimum of 500 hours of training is needed
to qualify for patrol. The handlers work with their dogs a
minimum of 10 hours a week. Annual qualifications must
be met for two certifications from statewide agencies and a
physical exam.
Of course, not all canines are well suited for police work.
Since dog breeds vary, training depends on individual
character traits. Certain breeds have intrinsic abilities and
tendencies that adapt better to the specific tasks required of
K-9s. There are many scenarios where these working dogs
must be ready to respond when under fire or work an active
crime scene. The dogs often search vehicles for drugs, track
suspects for long distances or detect cell phones, firearms,
currency, human remains and even bedbugs. >>
Officer John Fazio and K-9 Officer Blek, who is specifically trained in narcotics detection, run through an obstacle course.