Career description:
K-9 police officers work closely with their dogs to enforce laws and apprehend criminals. With relatively few positions available in the field, an assignment to the canine unit is highly coveted among law enforcement professionals. K-9 officers can work in local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as in the military. While many work as police officers, other agencies employing K-9 handlers include the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
What it’s like:
Common duties:
- Responding to calls for police, including emergencies
- Patrolling assigned areas with a trained dog
- Issuing citations and making arrests
- Inspecting crime scenes and finding and securing evidence
- Writing and filing reports
- Testifying in court as needed
- Training and handling a K-9 dog
Similar occupations:
Police Captain, Police Chief, Shift Supervisor, Detective
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