For many years, canines have proven to be a valuable resource to the St. Joseph Police Department. The K9 unit was re-established in 1995 after its long absence since the early 1980's. Currently, three K9 teams patrol the streets of St. Joseph. The dogs are dual purpose trained, which means they are trained for narcotics detection and patrol work. The odors of drugs the dogs are trained to detect are marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. The areas the dogs are trained in for patrol work include tracking subjects, building/area searches, apprehension and officer protection. The K9's also perform many demonstrations for schools, businesses and organizations throughout the year.

Often, major searches were conducted with negative results due to suspects hiding in areas where officers could not see them. This is not only dangerous for officers but can use valuable patrol time during the search. Our K9's, using their acute sense of smell, are able to locate suspects faster in any type of hiding spot, this ability provides officers with advanced warning, thus making it safer for officers to apprehend a dangerous suspect.

The three K9 teams that make up the K9 Unit are Officer Becky Bradley and her partner Jimmy, a Holland Herder, ,Officer Matt Kneib and his partner Sarik, a German Shephard, and the newest member Officer Doug Howard and his partner Coz, a Belgian malinois. Officer Bradley and K9 Jimmy have worked the evening shift for nine years. Officer Kneib and Sarik work the midnight shift. Sarik was purchased in March 2008 from Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana by a generous donation from the St. Joseph Kennel Club. Coz, started on May 15, 2009, and was purchased from Von Liche Kennels out of Holland. He is currently assigned to the 1900-0300 shift. While on duty, the K9's ride and patrol with their handlers, at the end of their shift the K9's go home with their handlers. The K9 teams are on call at any hour of the day or night to assist the St. Joseph Police Dept. as well as other agencies.