K9 Unit
435.738.2015 | sheriff@duchesne.utah.gov
The Sheriff’s Office K9 Program creates a partnership with the local community in an effort to solve crimes more effectively and discourage criminal activity. The K9 Team provides support to Patrol, Investigations, Search and Rescue, and Corrections. Why do we need dogs in police work? Simply put, they can do things that their human partners can't.
Due to their keen sense of smell, sight, agility and other abilities, they are a very valuable tool in police work. Dogs can be trained to find people, both those who are hiding from various law enforcement agencies who avoid being taken into custody, as well as those individuals who have become lost or are missing. Dogs can also be trained to detect various narcotics. By training with actual narcotics and chemicals used in explosives, the dogs are able to smell the very distinct odors given off from these items. Our K9 is also trained in “handler protection.” These dogs find and apprehend the individual threatening our community. K9 also helps to defend officers who are subject to attack by violent individuals.
Our K9, Kimber, is trained to locate various types of narcotics as well as search for and apprehend high-risk criminals who have fled from law enforcement and/or concealed themselves to avoid capture. We use a Belgian Malinois. Kimber is also trained to assist with tracking and finding any individual who may be lost in remote areas.
Demonstrations
K9 teams also serve as ambassadors of the Sheriff’s Office to strengthen public relations and opinions of our local public safety community. The teams are also important safety education and prevention tools for our youth. The K9 Teams also provide canine demonstrations throughout the year for school programs, scout groups, community activities, businesses, and special interest groups. These demonstrations provide an excellent opportunity to promote a greater understanding of how and why canines benefit law enforcement and citizens in their efforts to keep our communities safe. If you would like to schedule a K9 demonstration, please contact the Sheriff’s Office to have one arranged. 435.738.2015
Support the Duchesne County K9 Program
Establishing a K9 Unit is costly. Average cost is $20K per dog. This includes purchase of the canine, handler/training, veterinary care, food/housing, canine service kit, and patrol vehicle modifications to accommodate the canine.
K9 dog breeds are chosen with care. Their temperament and personality must complement the officers to serve appropriately. The dogs of preference are the Belgian Malinois, alert, agile, and athletic dogs that can expertly perform various tasks within the Sheriff’s Office. Officers and their K9 units visual presence provide deterrents to unlawful activities that can impact citizens, their property, and business owner establishments. Your tax deductible donation can go a long way in sustaining our program.
Contact Chief Deputy Jeremy Curry or any K-9 Handler at 438.738.1125 for more information.
Please mail checks or money orders to:
Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office K9 Program PO Box 985, Duchesne, UT 84021