What are the uses for a K9 in security and investigations?
K9s are extremely versatile working dogs used in private security for protection, apprehension, and detection. These specialized units serve as an amazing tool in the field, offering capabilities beyond standard security officers. Reyes World Security and Investigations will soon provide K9 units for the greater Milwaukee, WI area, explaining their various uses in this blog.
What is a K9 and how are they trained for security?
K9 (the tactical abbreviation for a working canine) is a specially trained dog that has abilities that go above and beyond the standard security officer’s capabilities. K9s are trained in both single-purpose and dual-purpose aspects. These dogs can be trained in Protection/Apprehension, Narcotic and Explosive Detection, and other non-security abilities. A single-purpose dog will be able to obey commands from the handler and focus on one area of training. On the other hand, a dual-purpose dog will do both Protection and Detection work. To do this the dogs must be exceptionally well suited for the task.
As such only certain breeds can become K9s. The prominent breeds include the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Other breeds include the Basset Hound, Collie, English Spaniel, and other breeds. For the purpose of this article we will focus on the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Both breeds are fast, strong, intelligent, and obedient. This combination is perfect for work as K9s.
These dogs go through a rigorous training regime before and after they are attached to a handler. Training time varies between dogs and what they are being trained for, but all dogs and handlers must pass a federal training test before they are certified to work in the field. Once they are certified they keep up their ability through work and yearly maintenance training.
What are the qualifications and role of a K9 handler?
Our K9 handlers must be able to not only control the dog, but they must be compatible with it. The handler will go through months of training once they are connected to their K9 partner. They then have to pass the certification requirements as their new partner. A good handler will be able to not only control his/her K9 partner, but to also expand and work well with them to increase the unit’s capability.
The K9 handler will be specially trained armed security officer (ASO). These ASOs will have all of the same excellent training and customer service you expect. They will be able to provide you with a wide arrange of abilities from regular patrol to single time search calls. Our K9 unit will work with the client to prepare or patrol to meet the client’s needs.
What We Will Offer
In the near future, we at Reyes World Security and Investigation, will be offering a dual-purpose team trained in protection and explosive detection work. We are looking to provide site security, site clearance, and executive protection work with these K9 units.
We will provide a marked patrol vehicle with each team to work on the site with you and drive to wherever you need the work. Our K9 will be able to detect 15 explosive compounds in multiple configurations and amounts. The K9 will also be able to handle aggressive subjects and assist with crowd control if necessary. The unit will be available in an on-call capacity ready to respond at a moment’s notice, and by schedule for a large event or special circumstance. These abilities will greatly add to our company’s ability to provide you with the excellent service you have come to know us for.
