Police Dogs in North America

In 1953, there were zero canine programs on any American police force. In 1989, there were more than 2,000 programs with over 7,000 police handler dog teams. In 1953, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had the nation's only program with 20 teams but in 1989 there were 46 programs with 300 teams. These are dramatic program expansions. There have been controversial issues of using dogs; the pros and cons of using dogs for specialized functions are thoroughly analyzed in this book. Clearly identified are the elements to be assessed as a prelude to implementing a canine patrol unit, with the essential features critical to a unit's organization, operation, and ultimate success.