K-9 officers test detection skills

Cops and K-9 officers from around the country, as well as the British Virgin Islands, test their skills today sniffing either drugs or explosives at the Ramada Inn Speedway for the United States Police K-9 Association.

Shepherds, Labradors and even a wire-haired pointer make up the mix of K-9s, and their human partners represent police departments, sheriff’s offices, corrections officers, customs officials, state fire marshals and the FBI.

Teams (a handler and his or her K-9 partner) are required to test annually by the United States Police K-9 Association, said Bill Heiser, organizer of the Southern Hills Kennels Annual Bomb and Drug K-9 Detection Seminar. The three-day training seminar precedes the mandatory test.

Law Enforcement vehicles, officers and dogs will come close to closing down International Speedway Boulevard as 85 teams come together for the test at the hotel at 8:30 a.m. today, Heiser said.

BY Julie Murphy

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