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K9 Unit

Overview

Services

Important Notes

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Unit is a specialized team of highly-trained canines and their handlers. Our K9 partners play a critical role in law enforcement, assisting in searches, apprehensions, drug detection, and community engagement.

Our Mission

The K9 Unit’s mission is to enhance public safety, deter crime, and support the department’s overall law enforcement efforts. Our K9 teams are deployed in various situations, leveraging their unique skills and senses to aid in investigations, track suspects, locate missing persons, and detect illegal substances.

Meet Our K9 Team

  • Lt. Rose (Master K9 Trainer): Lt. Rose leads the K9 Unit and brings over 20 years of experience in K9 training and instruction. His expertise ensures the highest standards of training and performance for our K9 teams.
  • Bogart (Bloodhound): Bogart is a highly-skilled tracking dog specializing in locating missing persons and following scent trails.
  • Bali (Narcotics & Apprehension/Tracking): Bali is a dual-purpose K9 trained in narcotics detection and apprehension. She is also skilled in tracking suspects.
  • Skubi (Narcotics & Tracking): Skubi is another dual-purpose K9 with expertise in narcotics detection and tracking.
  • Axel (Explosive Detection): Axel is trained to detect explosives and plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of our community.

Community Engagement

The K9 Unit is actively involved in community outreach and educational events. We frequently visit schools and participate in demonstrations, educating children about the importance of K9s in law enforcement and promoting positive interactions between law enforcement and the community.

Training & Certification

Our K9 teams undergo rigorous training and are annually certified through the West Virginia Police Canine Association (WVPCA). This commitment to ongoing training ensures our K9s maintain their skills and perform at the highest proficiency levels.

Contact Us

For more information about the K9 Unit or to request a K9 demonstration, please contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.

Additional Resources

The bloodhound Bogart of the K9 division with his handler.
Bali of the K9 division standing for a photo with its handler.
One of the dogs of the K9 division with its handler.
Axel of the K9 division with its handler.
Bogart the bloodhound of the K9 Unit
Axel of the K9 Unit posing on a wooden chest.
Bali, one of the dogs of the K9 unit laying on a wooden chest.
Lieutenant W. E. Rose standing outside of the County Courthouse.

Lieutenant W. E. Rose

Midnight Shift Commander

Contact Us

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How are the dogs trained?

Our K9s undergo rigorous training with their handlers, including obedience, agility, scent detection, and apprehension techniques. They are certified through the West Virginia Police Canine Association (WVPCA) and receive ongoing training to maintain their skills.

What types of tasks do the K9s perform?

Our K9s assist with various tasks, including:

  • Narcotics detection: Locating illegal drugs in vehicles, buildings, and other locations.
  • Tracking: Following scent trails to locate suspects or missing persons.
  • Apprehension: Apprehending suspects who are fleeing or resisting arrest.
  • Building searches: Clearing buildings to ensure they are safe.
  • Article searches: Locating evidence or discarded items.
  • Community engagement: Participating in demonstrations and events to educate the public about the K9 Unit.
Are the dogs friendly?

While our K9s are highly trained and capable of apprehending suspects, they are also socialized and friendly. They are often involved in community events and enjoy interacting with the public. However, it’s important to always ask a handler before approaching a K9.

What breeds of dogs are used in the K9 unit?

The K9 unit typically employs breeds known for their intelligence, drive, and suitability for police work, such as Bloodhounds, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Dutch Shepherds.