Police Service Dogs

To become part of the Brandon Police Service Canine Unit, members must have attained the rank of First Class Constable and have sufficient experience to have demonstrated a working knowledge of the Police Service Canine Unit and competence in law enforcement. This unit is one in which interested members may apply once a position is open. Canine handlers work shift work with ten-hour days. The passing of a physical agility test component is also a requirement.

PSDs are trained in obedience, agility, evidence searching (drugs/guns/human scent), area and building searches, and criminal apprehension and tracking. Additionally, PSDs and their handlers make up part of the Tactical Response Unit.

As handlers in the Brandon Police Service Canine Unit, officers’ responsibilities involve the search and rescue of missing persons, search and tracking of suspects, the search for evidence relating to crimes, searching of buildings and security patrols.

Weekly, PSDs train with their handlers gaining experience in these areas of expertise. PSDs are also required to complete annual validations for both drugs and patrol. 

Even while off-duty, PSDs are the responsibility and remain in the care of their handlers, typically residing with them at the member’s home.