Interim Chief of Police. Captain Waldrup
Patrol Division
k9 Unit

In March of 2004, the Alton Police Department reinstated its Canine Program after having gone several years without the program.

The Canine Teams:

The Alton Police Department currently has three canine teams or K-9 Units. Each K-9 Unit consists of one trained canine handler and one trained full-service police dog.

The Dogs:

Typically three types of dogs are used as full-service police dogs. The police dogs are usually as follows: the traditional German Sheppard, the popular Belgium Malinois, and the not so popular Dutch Sheppard. Occasionally police agencies may use a Labrador/Receiver for narcotics/explosive detection and bloodhounds for tracking. Even then there is always an exception to the rule and the police agency may have a dog not mentioned.

A full-service police dog is trained to do many important police functions. Of course most important, all training begins with obedience. Training is also a continuous part of the handler's responsibilities.

All the departments K9 teams are an asset to the department. If you see any of the K-9 handlers on duty, feel free to ask them questions. If a handler currently has his dog outside the vehicle, please keep your distance from the K-9 unit and DO NOT PET the dog without the handlers consent.

If you have any further questions, comments or concerns you may send an email to k9unit@altonpolice.com. .
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