Pittsburg Police Department K9 Program

Handlers:

The Pittsburg Police Department K9 unit currently has three K9 handlers who are partnered with their German Shepard or Belgium Malinois canine partners. These officers are assigned to the Patrol Division and work routine patrol duties.

• Officer Zach Hatcher and K9 Phara
• Officer Angelica Morris and K9 Jager    
• Officer Wilhite and K9 Yoke

Training:

Each of the canines is cross-trained for criminal apprehension and narcotic’s detection. The K9’s and their handlers receive extensive training prior to being certified for use in the Patrol Division. Once in the Patrol Division, the K9’s and handlers participate in intensive on-going training to maintain and enhance their skills.

Deploying the K9:

Handlers typically deploy their K9 partners in situations where a violent suspect is fighting or fleeing from officers. They are also utilized to locate suspects who may be hiding in heavy vegetation, debris or inside buildings. The K9’s speed, agility and heightened sense of smell make them a powerful tool in locating and apprehending dangerous criminals. The K9’s sense of smell also allows them to track missing or lost individuals and help safely locate these individuals so they can be reunited with their families.

K9 Demonstrations:

All the handlers of the K9 Unit enjoy working with the public and frequently conduct demonstrations to showcase the dog’s abilities, as well as orientate the public with the handlers and dogs. The handlers enjoy answering questions concerning the department’s K9 program, as well as canines in general.

If you are interested in arranging a canine demonstration for your group, please contact Lt. Hatcher (925) 252-4091 or Sgt. Palma (925) 252-4067 for further information.