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 Rick Woodley and his partner Cozmo, a Belgian malinois, Officer Matt Kneib and his partner Sarik, a German Shephard, and the newest member Kenny Smith and his partner Topper, a Belgian malinois. Officer Rick Woodley and Cozmo work the day shift, Officer Kenny Smith and Topper work the evening shift, and 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; Topper was purchased January 2010 from Vohne Liche Kennels. 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.