The Orange Police Department Canine Unit was established in 1981. The Canine Unit has three teams, with each team consisting of a canine and his handler. The purpose of a Police Service Dog is to assist officers in searching for violent suspects, locating evidence and tracking criminals who are attempting to avoid apprehension. In addition, some canines are crossed-trained in narcotic detection. These canines assist police officers in locating illegal narcotics in buildings, vehicles, and other areas where narcotics may be hidden.
Police Service Dogs are utilized for their unique physical capabilities of scent, hearing, sight and agility. Medical studies have shown that a dog's ability to detect scent is 800,000 times stronger than that of a human. He has extremely sensitive hearing and sharp eyesight that can detect the slightest movements. He can run, on average, 25-30 miles per hour. Thus, a Police Service Dog provides our officers with a tremendous advantage in safely and efficiently apprehending criminals.
