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K-9 Unit
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Purpose and History of the GPD Canine Unit
Police K-9 dogs, properly trained and handled, give police officers one of the finest non-lethal aids in the prevention and detection of crime. The Garland Canine Unit is comprised of four canine teams whose purpose is to provide the maximum amount of safety to officers, citizens, and suspects while investigating criminal activities especially in instances of felony offenses. The proper use of a canine unit has been scientifically shown to reduce the number of officer involved shootings in a police department.
The Garland Police Canine Unit was formed in 1986 by a Federal Grant to help assist in the prevention of building burglaries. The unit was started by Officer David Swavey with K-9 Lord and Officer Andy Bell with K-9 Bingo. Since the original two dogs, we have had nine canine teams in service including the current four teams.
Canine Unit Officers
Lt. Matt Stokes - Supervisor
Officer Brian Griffeth and K-9 Czar
Officer Dennis Morrow and K-9 Tex
Officer Mike Clark and K-9 Blitz
Officer Scott Vornberg and K-9 Ranger
Functions of the Canine Unit
Tracking and Area Searches: Garland Police Canines are able to track suspects who have fled from police officers or a criminal offense.
Evidence Searches: Garland Police Canines are able to locate articles or contraband discarded by suspects.
Building Searches: Garland Police Canines are used to search buildings that have been burglarized or used in the commission of criminal offenses.
Narcotics Searches: Garland Police Canines are used to find illegal narcotics in buildings or vehicles.
Handler Protection: Garland Police Canines are used to protect officers including the handler from assaults and will react without command if the handlers are assaulted.
Criminal Apprehension: Garland Police Canines are used to apprehend high-risk criminals that pose a threat to officers or citizens providing greater safety to officers, citizens, and the suspect.
Several Garland Police Dogs have been injured while trying to capture felony suspects. Both Lord and Bingo were shot during confrontations with suspects. Both survived and later retired with distinction. K-9 Xanto was stabbed by a suspect hiding in the woods and later died from an infection caused by the wounds. K-9 Blitz also was stabbed while trying to apprehend a suspect breaking into a house. Blitz survived his wounds and is still in service today. All of these dogs sustained injuries that were meant for their handlers or other police officers.
General Information about Canine Officers and their Dogs
Garland police dogs are all German Shepherds that have been imported from Europe. The canines range in age from 2 to 8 years of age. The dogs are the 24-hour responsibility of their handlers and stay at home with them when the handlers are not on duty. When on duty the canines are in a special kennel built into the backseat of a squad car. The dogs are generally obtained when they are 2 to 3 years old and work until they are 8 to 10 years old depending upon their physical condition. The dogs are very sociable and enjoy interacting with people. After a police canine is retired he is given to his handler to remain a family dog.
Garland officers must apply to become a canine handler when a position is open. Once selected the handler and his dog go through a 12 to 14 week school together learning the different skills and functions required of a canine team. After completing the canine academy, the canine teams receive 8 hours of training every week to maintain their level of proficiency. The canine teams are certified by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) on a regular basis to prove their ability. The unit also has received awards from the USPCA for the performance of their canines on duty and in competitions.
2003 Statistics for the Canine Unit
Building Searches: 52
Tracks: 88
Criminals Captured by Canines on Building Searches or Tracks: 34
Narcotics Searches: 46
Arrests by Canine Officers: 195
Calls Canine Units Responded to: 1,213
Manhours Saved: 150.55
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