k9 UNIT

Our K-9 (police dog) assist our police officers in finding and arresting dangerous wanted offenders while keeping the officers and community safe. Dogs, in general, have an incredible sense of smell. Our highly trained K-9 can follow the scent of an offender, and as a result, they can help police officers make an arrest. Police K-9 helps keep people safe in some of the most extreme types of emergency circumstances. These highly trained animals can help reduce risks to police officers while, wherever practical, reducing the use of deadly force to apprehend an offender. Additionally, our police K-9 train in other areas as well. These can include finding illegal drugs, locating weapons, and other missing items that were left behind at crime scenes.

The bond between a police officer and a canine partner is unique. These very skilled dogs often participate in our community by performing educational seminars and demonstrations at our local schools, special events, safety fairs, and other community meetings. The K-9 unit is thankful for the support it receives from the community and is dedicated to enhancing community policing and public safety for Sherman residents, businesses, and visitors.

At this time, we currently have one canine in the Unit - Officer Chad Johnson, and his partner, Spy. Spy is trained for the detection of narcotics, evidence, and persons, and for handler protection.

The police dog handler and his partner attend training for several weeks every year. During the training, the dog and handler learn to work together through basic obedience and agility. The dog is taught to locate and track human scent, search areas and buildings for suspects, for evidence, and protect their handler. The handler learns to read and interpret the dog's change in behavior when the dog has located persons, evidence, or contraband.

The K-9 Unit has proven to be a valuable asset to the Department.