K-9 Unit

K-9 Cpl. Mike Toellen and K-9 Officer Viper patrol Riverwalk.

The K-9 Unit includes two K-9 officers and their handlers. The unit serves as a valuable tool in combating and deterring crime. It is often the determining factor in conducting a search or achieving a peaceful arrest. The program also serves as a valuable public relations tool through demonstrations in schools and at public events.

The K-9 Unit may be used for the following:
- Building searches.
- Tracking and searching for missing persons, suspects or evidence.
- Apprehension of criminal suspects.
- Narcotics raids and searches.
- Crowd control for violent or unruly crowds.
- Officer protection.

The K-9 officers and their handlers train for at least 16 hours every month. Training includes a variety of scenarios and is conducted in different locations and weather conditions. Hillsborough's K-9 officers also train with handlers and dogs from surrounding agencies and are certified annually by an independent trainer.

The K-9 Unit is funded by donations from corporations and the community. It does not employ fundraising companies or use telephone or door-to-door solicitation.

The K-9 officers and handlers demonstrate their work in programs for local schools and community groups. To request a demonstration, contact the department.