CAREER PLAN B

BY LOGAN KEY
GRADE 11
BLOCK 7/8

POLICE OFFICER (CANINE UNIT)

A Canine unit Officer is like a traditional police officer that deals with crimes
and emergency situations but there is one large difference. You have a dog,
that you train, and use to search crime scenes and take downs. It takes
years to train a police dog and the officer also has the dog living in his home.
As a team the K-9 Officer and the dog track criminals, drugs, and explosives.
The dog and the officer work together and track for scents to help solve
crime. Some dogs are also trained to attack.

Working Conditions
Police officers mostly work shift work, around the clock, but K-9
Officers prefer to work during the day most of the time due to
higher visibility, making it easier for the handler to keep the dog on
the right scent. The dog can track in the dark, but it is more
difficult for a human. They only work at night when absolutely
necessary.

Canine officers spend part of their training, and part of their day on
duty.

There is a high risk of injury as a Canine Officer. When tracking

criminals it is dangerous because many criminals are armed. Any
law enforcement job is dangerous.

A uniform is required so people know that the officer/dog is

working, and not just a normal person walking their dog

Salary

Starting salary for an RCMP officer is $50 000

After 36 months salary will be up to $82 000 (at
Constable Rank)

As rank increases, so does salary. Top salary is

Superintendent ($139 000)

Future Outlook
This job will always be in demand because no matter
what, people will still need law enforcement

Post-Secondary Training
Program

The RCMP give a 24 week training program and you

have to live on site. After you have completed that
program, and worked as a police officer, you can apply
to the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre where
lots of different programs are offered, such as, narcotic
detection and explosive detection. It takes lots of time
and experience to become a Canine Officer.

Training Program Info

RCMP Training Academy, Regina SK.

This is the only training program in western Canada for RCMP

Cost: You are paid $500/week to go and your room and board is provided. All training
programs are paid for by the RCMP

Prerequisites to get in to training program: There are no school pre-requisites, but there is
a long list of requirements, like health standards, citizenship, character etc.

Why am I
interested?
I love working with
my dogI am
currently training
how to track with
him and Im hoping
to do search and
rescue in 2 years.
If I keep working
with him, maybe we
could work in law
enforcement
together.

Thats Copper..