Canine Unit

Information
Picture of a smiling girl petting a police K9.
Provides a resource to officers and investigators on the street by utilizing the keen sense of smell and hearing of the canine whose task is to assist in the apprehension of suspects, the searching of buildings, finding articles of evidence and protection of police officers and community members.

The mission of the Portland Police Bureau Canine Unit is to provide specialized support to the Patrol and Investigative branches of the Bureau. The Unit provides a resource to the officer and investigator on the street by utilizing the keen sense of smell and hearing of the canine whose task is to assist in the apprehension of suspects, the searching of buildings, finding articles of evidence and protection of police officers and members of the community.

A K-9 team is used whenever possible to augment officer resources by using the specialized canine abilities. K-9 teams respond to assist patrol and investigative operations on a city-wide basis, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. K-9 teams also assist with emergency calls for service including "officer needs help" or "back-up" calls.

Officers wishing to transfer to the Canine Unit have to have a minimum of 4.5 years of service with the Police Bureau before they can apply.  To be selected for a position, an officer has to pass an in-depth background investigation, a rigorous timed physical agility course, a dog handling assessment by unit trainers, and a lengthy oral interview.  Once selected for an assignment, the handler is matched up with a dog (German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, or a Dutch Shepherd) picked by unit trainers.  The dog then lives with the officer and the officer’s family when not at work.

Photo of members of the police Canine Unit

Donations:

Community members can make a tax-deductible donation to the Canine Unit to support training and canine replacement.

Donations can be sent directly to the Portland Police Bureau Canine Unit:

Portland Police Bureau K-9 Unit
4735 East Burnside Street
Portland, Oregon 97215

The City's federal tax identification number is 93-6002236, and there is an official notice on the Auditor's website if a donor wishes to print it for their records: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/auditor/article/38071

Photo of a police canine