HISTORY:
The Olathe Police Department implemented a patrol canine program in 1995 with three dual purpose canines. In 1997 the Department added a fourth narcotic detector canine. In 2005, the narcotic detection canine was replaced with a dual purpose canine. The program has assisted in the apprehension of numerous violent criminal suspects and located millions in illegal narcotics.

The Unit is comprised of a Lieutenant, Sergeant, and four Patrol Officer/Handlers.

FUNCTION:
The canine teams are used in a variety of ways while deployed on shift. One of the most common uses of a canine team is for narcotic detection. The canines are also trained in all phases of criminal apprehension to include building search, tracking, area search and aggression control. Other areas of training include article searches and agility.

RECENT EVENTS:

In October 2006, Officer Clausius and his canine partner Gerry assisted the Johnson County Sheriffs Department with a narcotics sniff of a vehicle. A subsequent search resulted in the recovery of $140,000 in U.S. Currency, in which the occupants admitted was from drug proceeds. Also in October 2006, the Canine Unit participated in the Vom Kaiserhofe canine seminar, which included teams from as far away as Cheyenne, Wyoming and Las Vegas, Nevada. The handlers and canines competed in the Top Dog contest. The Canine Unit did very well with the following results: Narcotic Detection-Officer Cantrell and Canine Igor placed third and Officer Little and Canine Draco placed fourth. In the Tough Dog contest Officer Clausius and Canine Gerry placed second. In the Patrol Dog contest, Officer Clausius and Canine Gerry placed first, Officer Little and Canine Draco placed second and Officer Middleton and Canine Demo placed fifth.

CURRENT CANINES: