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The Police Service Dog Division is a support division within the Nebraska State
Patrol.The Nebraska State Patrol began using Police Service Dogs in 1988, with the purchase of two dogs with a federal grant. The German shepherds, Cesear and Falco had long and distinguished careers. Due to the success of this “pilot” program, the Nebraska State Patrol increased the number of Police Service Dog teams over the years. Today, the Police Service Dog Division has thirteen PSD Teams operational throughout the state. |
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The Nebraska State Patrol utilizes Dual Purpose police dogs. This means that the dogs are trained in detection work, either drug or explosives, and patrol work. Patrol work incorporates a number of tasks including handler protection, tracking, criminal apprehension, building and area searches, evidence recovery, and tactical operations. |
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Dual purpose dogs must possess a number of drives to be successful. Selection of quality animals that possess these drives is essential to the workability of the dog. The dogs are tested and selected before training ever starts. Qualified personnel select the dog and it is paired with a prospective handler. Most of the dogs come from Europe where breeding for police work has been going on since the late 1800’s. As much time and effort is expended in handler selection as in dog selection. A handler must have a minimum of two years of experience as a Trooper, compete in an interview process, physical fitness test, and finally an in home interview. The dogs stay at the home of the handler. It is important to be able to provide a good environment for that dog when it is not working. This also allows very rapid response if the PSD Team was called out. PSD Teams are on call at all times. The dog and handler then report to the Grand Island training academy to be trained as a team. |
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| The PSD training facility located at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (pictured above) is second to none in the country. The facility has indoor/outdoor kennels that house up to twenty dogs. Nebraska State Patrol instructors provide training for not only Nebraska State Patrol PSD teams, but other law enforcement agencies in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. The Nebraska State Patrol trains according to West German Police standards and meets the standards set forth by the International Congress of Police Service Dogs. The Nebraska State Patrol is fortunate to have individuals that are recognized as Teaching Judges. This allows certification to be done in house without the reliance on private vendors or organizations. Handler and dog train for approximately six weeks to gain a Detector Dog certification and seven weeks to gain a Patrol Dog certification.
The certifications are arduous and are scenario based for street realism. The training does not stop there, as the PSD team will continue to train for the rest of their working life. PSD teams are audited monthly by supervisors and PSD teams must recertify on an annual basis. This enables the PSD team to maintain basic training as well as advance their training and abilities to meet the demands of working the street. |
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| Services an NSP PSD Team can provide: |
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| Detector Work: Drug detection is an important service provided.
Dogs have a keen sense of smell that allows them to detect odors that humans cannot. This becomes very important when dealing with contraband sealed inside a vehicle. A properly trained PSD team is a reliable way to determine if the odor of drugs are present in a vehicle, and can establish probable cause to search for those drugs. |
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| Explosive Detection: This team is tasked with providing precautionary sweeps at high profile events and responding to bomb threats. An explosive detection dog team is invaluable, as it provides safety and peace of mind. |
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Handler Protection is the most important service a PSD can provide.
A PSD will do everything in its power to protect handler without question.
Tracking: A PSD team tracks by detecting disturbances left on the ground by a person on foot. Most of the tracking done by NSP PSD Teams is an attempt to capture a criminal. PSD teams have also been used to track lost or missing people, both elderly and children.
Evidence recovery: PSD’s are searching for objects that have human odor on them that may have been dropped or discarded by a criminal. The dog is trained to lie down and stare at the object in an attempt to preserve the forensic value of the item. |
| Criminal apprehension: PSD’s are trained to apprehend fleeing or violent individuals. If a subject does not fight or run, the PSD will lie down and bark at the subject until the handler can take control of the suspect. |
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Building and area searches for suspects are often one of the most dangerous tasks that a police officer may face. A hidden suspect has an advantage over police who are attempting to clear an unknown area. A PSD can use all its senses to hunt and locate a hidden suspect. Once the subject is located, the PSD barks rhythmically to notify the handler. Officer safety is greatly improved when using a PSD.
Crowd Control: PSD Teams are often used to supplement uniform officers who are facing large and sometimes hostile crowds. PSD teams are often placed on the edges of formations to ensure that officers are not surrounded in the event of a hostile demonstration or situation. |
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Tactical deployment: The NSP uses specially trained PSD Teams in conjunction with its SWAT teams in specialized and high risk incidents. The PSD Teams adapt to the SWAT teams needs based on the situation at hand. Tactical Deployment Dog certifications include perimeter security, team movement, target disruption, dual dog deployment, and dragline. PSD Teams are also taught how to negotiate various terrain and obstacles, including rappelling, in order to meet the needs of the SWAT team and their special mission. The NSP conducts Tactical Dog Seminars to educate and certify other agencies in this highly specialized area. |
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The Police Service Dog Division is dedicated to community awareness. PSD teams conduct educational demonstrations for schools and other community and civic groups in an effort to inform the public. The public has responded by being very supportive. Generous donors have purchased many of the Police Service Dogs that are working the street today. Quality dogs are very expensive, often costing $8,000 to $10,000 for an untrained dog. Equipment and advanced training are also expensive to keep the PSD teams on the cutting edge in their field. Donations are always appreciated.
Donations are handled by the Nebraska State Patrol Foundation, which is a non profit organization formed to support the agency. If you are interested in making a donation to the Police Service Dog Division, please contact :
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| The Nebraska State Patrol Foundation |
P. O. Box 21861
Lincoln, NE, 68542-1861 |
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Or contact ;
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For inquiries or more information about the Nebraska State Patrol K-9 Division, contact:
Sgt. L. Connelly #141
Police Service Dog Division |
4130 NW 37th Street
Lincoln, NE 68524 |
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(402) 471-2521 |
Lonnie.Connelly@nebraska.gov
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