The goal of the Stillwater Police Department (SPD) K-9 Unit is to deploy highly trained, alert and social Police K-9's.  This unit came into existence in 1991 through the hard work of Officers Guy Palladino and Ed Boese as well as the generous monetary support of the community.  Since it's beginning, the K-9 program has proven to be an extremely valuable tool in the effective investigation and suppression of criminal activity, not only to SPD but to many of the surrounding communities and law enforcement agencies.

Functions:
 

All SPD Police Canine Officers are dual purpose dogs.  In our case this means that they are used for the detection of illegal drugs as well as "patrol work."  Duties that constitute patrol work include:

• Building and open field searches
• Tracking fleeing criminals or lost persons
• Searching for contraband or discarded evidence
• Crowd / Riot control
• High risk criminal apprehensions
• Handler protection

In addition to the traditional police functions provided by the Canine Officers they are also available for:

• School programs
• Social / Civic functions
• Demonstration

Selection:
The handler and the canine will most likely work and live together in a life-long relationship.  Therefore, the careful selection of both officers is a crucial step in the continued success of the program.

Handler:
 

In order to be eligible for selection as a K-9 handler with SPD, the applicant must:

• Be of the rank of Police Officer
• Have a minimum of two years police service
• Have satisfactory performance evaluations
• Have demonstrated the skills, qualities and knowledge necessary to successfully function in the unit.

Once an opening is announced, and interested officer that meets the above requirements should submit a letter of interest containing a resume of qualifications.  All applicants deemed eligible will then participate in an interview process conducted by a board of their peers and supervisors with the final approval of the selected officer resting with the Chief of Police.
 

Canine:

SPD canines are imported from around the world and purchased from reputable Police K-9 trainers.  The trainer is selected through a bid process conducted by the City of Stillwater, based on the requirements of the K-9 Unit.
     Once a trainer has been selected, the handler that will be working with the canine begins a selection process with the trainer to ensure that a suitable Canine Officer is received.  The handler will personally select the canine partner based upon the animal's ability to function within the SPD K-9 Unit as well as his/her compatibility with the animal.

     After the selections have been made and a team has been formed, they will endure literally thousands of hours of training over what will hopefully be years of service to SPD.

K-9 Unit Officers:

Present:
(click name for bio)

Past:

Contacts:

If you would like more information about SPD's K-9 Unit, or would like to include them in an upcoming event, please contact:

Officer Tom Comstock or Officer Royce Stephens
Stillwater Police Department
P.O. Box 1725
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076
(405) 372-4171
Email: SPDK9@stillwater.org