Patrol Division
K9 Units

In March of 2004, the Alton Police Department reinstated its Canine Program. The Alton Police Department had gone several years without the program, until Chief Sullivan felt the need to bring it back.

The Canine Teams:

The Alton Police Department currently has two canine teams or K-9 Units. Each K-9 Unit consists of one trained canine handler and one trained full-service police dog. The first team, designated K1, consists of Patrolman First Class Ty Cottingham and his Canine partner Paco. The second team, designated K2, consists of Patrolman First Class Manuel Espinoza and his Canine partner K-9 Bach.

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.

The two Alton Police dogs, K-9 Paco and K-9 Bach, were trained at The Illinios State Police Canine Academy. Both dogs were trained in the following fields, click on each field for more information:

Both K-9 Paco and K-9 Bach are an asset to the department. If you see either 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 .