Why be a k 9 officer

Not only will you need to meet the basic education and experience requirements, but you'll have to find a way to stand out from the competition. The exact education that you need to become a K-9 police officer depends on your city's police department, but you will at least need a high school diploma. Some police departments may also require an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field like criminal justice.

Consider earning a bachelor's degree to improve your chances against the competition. You'll also need to successfully graduate from your law enforcement department's police academy. You'll need to pass a number of examinations to first become a police officer and then to become a K-9 officer. You'll have to pass a background check, a drug test and a physical fitness examination. You'll have to show that you can physically control a K-9, that you have the strength to lift the dog over a high wall if needed and that you have the stamina for a long search.

The amount of work experience that you'll need to be a K-9 officer depends on the law enforcement agency's preferences. Since K9 handlers are often part of a highly-trained and elite group of police officers, they may be compensated accordingly. Salaries vary significantly between regions and states. Skip to content.

Quickly Browse this Page. Featured Programs:. Request Info. Post University Featured Program: A. Related Careers. Animal Cruelty Investigator. View Now. Learn More. Education: To become a police officer, it is required to have earned at least a high school diploma or equivalent, however, many employers prefer a candidate to hold a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

Training: Successful completion of a to week police academy course plus two to three years of patrol experience are required to become eligible to apply for a position in the K-9 unit. The officer is then assigned a dog, and intensive training commences, in which the pair completes simulations and exercises focusing on agility and obedience, search, tracking and scouting, bite and protection work, suspect apprehension scenarios and tactical deployment exercises. The officer must successfully complete coursework relating to canine behavior and first aid techniques.

Certifications: Organizations dedicated to training and working with canine police dogs offer certification programs, the completion of which can give you a competitive advantage in getting hired or promoted. Some organizations include The U.

How to become a K9 officer. Complete the required education and experience to become qualified to become a police officer. Search and apply for open positions in law enforcement.

Get fingerprinted, pass a comprehensive background investigation. Complete testing: polygraph test, physical fitness tests, medical exams. Attend job interviews and get hired as an officer. Gain patrol experience for at least one or two years, learning as much as possible and growing a network of contacts. Keep checking for open positions as a K9 officer, applying as positions open. Interview for the job, get hired and begin training. Receive your dog and complete team training until you and the dog can operate as a single unit.

Take care of your dog, continue ongoing training and solve crimes. Skills needed to become a K9 officer. Mental and physical stamina. Officers and their K9 partners must remain alert through the duration of their shifts, often staying on their feet for long stretches of time. Interpersonal skills. Officers and K9s often present public demonstrations to increase awareness in the community about the K9 unit's contribution to mitigating crime in the area.

These demonstrations may take place at schools, municipal facilities and other local venues. Communication skills. A K9 officer has the responsibility of communicating with not only their colleagues and the community at large, but they must maintain immaculate communication with their dog at all times. Additionally, K9 officers must be able to decipher subtle signals and changes in behavior from their canine partners. Love and respect for animals. To work with animals in any capacity, you must respect them, fulfill their needs and show compassion toward them.

Your K9 dog is your partner, therefore, there will be times when you must be able to protect each other's life. Trust them and they'll trust you. Frequently asked questions about becoming a K9 officer.