K9 Program

Today, many law enforcement agencies across the globe use police dogs to track criminals, sniff out illegal materials, search buildings, and do other jobs human police officers can not do as well as a dog can. Dogs are also faster and stronger than most humans. In fact, when introduced to a potential threat, there is no reasoning with a police dog – and they can not be intimidated. The very presence of a police dog can prevent confrontations and injury to both police officers and criminals.

The National City Police Department was one of the first agencies in San Diego County to utilize police dogs in a law enforcement capacity. The National City Police Department currently has four K9 teams serving the National City community. Both German Shepherds and Malinois are used in the K9 program.

Each police dog is assigned to a trained police officer, commonly referred to as a “Handler.” Since police dogs live with their partners, a K-9 unit is a team that remains together 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many times, this partnership in law enforcement can last for several years. Over the course of their short careers, National City K9’s have more than earned the right to be called law enforcement officers.