| APD K-9 Patrol Newsletter |
| October 2005 |
| Volume 2, Number 10 |
| General Update |
| The search continues for a suitable police dog for Officer Forbes. The dog originally selected from World Wide Canine had a medical problem and was returned to the vendor. More dog selection testing will take place this month. |
| Arrest Highlights |
| Arrests made in the month of September include: |
| “Chase” Finds Suspect Hiding in Vehicle’s Undercarriage Officer Mierl & Chase were called to Charlie sector to locate a suspected burglar last seen inside of a car lot. Patrol officers previously had searched the car lot without success. Mierl was not convinced, so he had Chase check the area. Chase took Mierl to a truck and indicated that someone was under the truck. When officers looked under the truck, they found the suspect hanging in the undercarriage and completely hidden to everyone but Chase. “Bandit” Locates Escaped Suspect For DPS Troopers Officer White & Bandit were called to Frank sector to assist DPS Troopers who had a suspect escape from their police car after he was arrested for DWI. Bandit located the suspect in a shed near some chicken coops. Chase” Nabs Suspect Trying To Break Into A Home Officer Mierl & Chase were at it again in Charlie sector. A woman had called police to report that her ex-boyfriend had just broke into her home by removing the window air conditioner. He fled when he heard police sirens but had vowed to return. The woman feared for her life due to past violence by the suspect. The suspect was long gone when police searched the area, but he did return later that night. Police received another call from the woman that the suspect was trying to get into the house again. Officer Mierl and Chase were close to the call and responded. Mierl and Chase found the suspect at the home, who was again taking out the window air conditioner to make entry. Chase barked some serious warnings and the suspect lay down and gave up. “Bandit” Backs Up Officers On A Stolen Vehicle Officer White & Bandit backed up Charlie officers as they took a suspect into custody from a stolen vehicle. “Kozmo” Finds A Suspect and His Cocaine Officer Ferris & Kozmo helped Baker sector after a suspect fled in his car from bike officers downtown. A patrol unit found the suspect’s vehicle, and then the suspect fled on foot near Harmon Street. Kozmo searched the area and found the suspect hiding under a car. He was taken into custody. Afterwards, Ferris checked the area under the car and found that the suspect had placed a large amount of cocaine under the car with him. |
| Training |
| Officer Eveleth and Vuk continue with training. Vuk is doing well in obedience and area searching. He is now concentrating on criminal apprehension techniques. Officer Forbes moved the K-9 obstacle course, which had previously been underused. The course had been located on University of Texas property and APD officers needed special permission to gain access. The course is now located on 51st St. inside a large AISD facility, which should make the training area closer and easier for handlers to use. |
| Upcoming |
| Pending - New police canine for Officer Forbes. |
| DJ’s Training Corner: Explaining Escape Training Escape Training is the application of pressure to cause the dog to make a correct response. The dog learns to make a response in order to prevent physical pressure from being applied. This technique is generally used in initial training to show the dog the desired response. Example: In initial training, apply pressure to the dog by slightly pulling up on the leash and pushing down on the hips. The word “sit” is commanded. Once the dog assumes the required sit position (response), the pressure is released from the collar and the hips (positive reinforcement). Other rewards can then be given to tell the dog when he is doing the required response. |
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| APD K-9 PATROL INFORMATION CONTACT: Officer DJ Lahr darrin.lahr@ci.austin.tx.us EDITOR: Rose Kaminski rose@k9crimefighters.com WE’RE ON THE WEB! For more information: www.k9crimefighters.com |
| Last updated 12/22/2005 |
| Patrol Dog Arrest Criteria You have all read the arrest highlights each month, but do you know what requirements need to be met before an arrest is counted for the dog team? The standard for what constitutes a “K-9 Arrest” is very basic. For uniformity, a standard is taught and documented. The basic rule: “A K-9 team is credited with an arrest only if the K-9 played a significant role in the arrest of the suspect.” All handlers go through a one-hour class to learn the rule and practice it with training scenarios. |
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