National Police Canine Association and Arizona National Guard partnership helps certify canines

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Lee Cox, of the Wickenburg Police Department, and his canine, Lizzie, detect marijuana during an exercise for the National Police Canine Association’s certification at the Arizona Army National Guard’s Combined Support Maintenance Shop Jan. 27. This is the fifth year the NPCA has partnered with the Arizona National Guard to conduct canine certification. This year a record 267 canine teams were certified.  

AZ, UNITED STATES

02.02.2011

Courtesy Story

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

ARIZONA -- The National Police Canine Association partnered with the Arizona National Guard for the fifth consecutive year to certify a record 267 law enforcement canine teams in eight days in January.

The NPCA conducted canine team certification at the Arizona National Guard’s Combined Support Maintenance Shop and certified an average of 33 canine teams per night.

“This has created a strong bond between the National Guard and law enforcement agencies which is very helpful, because if a crisis ever occurs we would be working together again and it’s good to work together,” said Lt. Steve Lowe, the Arizona Canine Unit Supervisor for the Department of Corrections.

The first year NPCA conducted training on National Guard property, they utilized only the baseball field, until they realized the National Guard would accommodate them and allow access to CSMS. CSMS is an open warehouse type building which is good for the area and building search portion of the certification.

“CSMS is a great location for them to do their certifications because not only is it centrally located so law enforcement agencies from all over Arizona can meet here in the middle, but it’s a large enough facility for them to conduct all their different certifications,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 John Vitt, the State Command Chief Warrant Officer.

By using the National Guard’s facility the NPCA certification is much more convenient, said Lowe. There are several different certifications such as patrol, detection and dual purpose.

Patrol canine teams have to successfully complete obedience course, bite work, area search and building search. The detection teams have to detect planted narcotics and then planted explosives in vehicles and in buildings, Vitt said.

Vitt said it is a great way to support National Guardsmen who are involved with law enforcement agencies in their civilian careers and it also shows support for our community.

“This partnership really shows we are willing to serve and help our community, and provide them with an opportunity to certify their canine teams that serve to protect communities throughout Arizona; it’s a win-win situation,” Vitt said.

• Date Taken: 02.02.2011
• Date Posted: 02.02.2011 11:23
• Story ID: 64651
• Location: AZ, US