K-9 Unit

 

The K-9 Unit is comprised of two officers paired with dual-purpose canines certified for patrol and narcotics detection. These teams are on call 365 days a year, responding to a variety of situations. They provide a unique capability to the Rapid City Police Department and support other Departments in the surrounding area.

 

Each K-9 team must be certified annually. The certification includes canine obedience and agility, tracking, suspect apprehension, handler and officer protection, building searches, field searches, evidence searches as well as narcotic detection. The Rapid City Police Department K-9 Unit is certified by the State of South Dakota under the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) and International Congress Standards.

 

The two dogs assigned to the K-9 Unit were imported from Europe. Prior to a career with the Rapid City Police Department, K9 Magnum was screened, selected and trained in Fort Collins, Colorado. K9 Jackson was imported by Kasseburg Kennels in New Market, Alabama. He was later trained under the direction of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Each dog will continue training until his retirement from the unit and Department.

 

The Rapid City Police Department is extremely pleased to provide the assistance of these service dogs to the citizens of Rapid City. Their impact on modern day policing is immeasurable and allows the Department to provide much better service to the community.

 

The K-9 Unit performs many public demonstrations each year. In 2010 the K-9 Unit provided demonstrations for the Responsible Pet Owner’s Club, National American University, the YFS Kid’s Fair, 4 H, as well as several area schools. If your organization would like to arrange a demonstration, please contact Sgt. Mark Eisenbraun at Mark.Eisenbraun@rcgov.org.

 

K-9 teams: