There are currently three K-9 teams, comprised each of a handler and a canine partner, in the K-9 Unit. Two K-9 teams are assigned to the Patrol Division and one team is assigned to the Street Crimes Unit. The breed currently employed by the Decatur Police Department is the Belgian Malinois. All three teams are “full service” trained and are utilized regularly by both the patrol and investigations division. All K-9 teams are required to complete certification training through the Illinois State Police Training Board.
The K-9 units are mostly commonly called upon to assist the officers of the patrol division with the following calls for service.
- Vehicle Drug Searches
- Robberies in Progress
- Burglaries in Progress
- Vehicle Pursuits
- Foot Pursuits
- Suspicious Persons
- Warrant Services
- Lost Persons
The canines conduct numerous searches including; area searches, building searches, evidence searches, school locker searches and are highly proficient in tracking fleeing suspects.
