Departments : Public Safety : Divisions : K-9

 

Supervisor: Sergeant Scott Sanderson

Kalamazoo Public Safety is the only police department in Kalamazoo County which has a Canine (K-9) unit. Their services are utilized throughout the county and the unit is overseen by Sgt. Sanderson.

In 2007, the K-9 Unit responded to 1,080 calls for service, resulting in the arrest of 249 persons on 560 arrest charges. Included in these calls for service were assists to the following agencies:

Kalamazoo County Sheriff Department-69          Kalamazoo Township P.D.-34
Portage P.D.-29                                                    Michigan State Police-7
Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET)-7            Parchment P.D.-1
Western Michigan University P.D.-2                    Vicksburg P.D.-1          Kalamazoo Valley (KVET)-76                   

In 2007, the K-9 Unit recovered $9,253 in stolen property, assisted in seizing drugs valued at $238,166 and in forfeiture of $90,137 in drug monies. In addition, the K-9 Unit presented 55 demonstrations at schools and other locations.

In its 20-year history, the K-9 Unit has recovered stolen property valued at $404,312; made 3,320 arrests, and seized over $7.2 million in drugs and drug-related monies.

In April 2007, the K-9 Unit attended the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 19 tracking and narcotic detection trials.  This is a competition and certification where KDPS handlers compete against more than 50 other handlers located throughout the region.  The KDPS canine team took home a total of five trophies.  Sgt. Scott Sanderson and PSO Jim Doerr placed 4th and 6th respectively in the field of tracking.  PSO Fred Milton placed 7th in individual narcotics detection and 1st in team narcotics detection.  PSO Marc Rifenberg placed 5th in team narcotics detection.  All department handlers received national certification in the areas of tracking and narcotics detection.

The canine team is an integral and valuable asset to Public Safety and the community we serve. 

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