Established in 1934, with its first documented Bloodhound, this program is ranked as the twelfth oldest training program in the United States.  The Canine Unit of the Connecticut State Police is a component of the Emergency Services Unit and is located in the city of Meriden at the State Police Complex.

CANINE TEAM

Each team is made up of one handler and one canine.  Assignment as a canine handler is voluntary and each team receives additional payments and veterinary allowances.  Teams are assigned at all twelve barracks throughout the state and to select specialized units.  While off duty, each canine lives with the trooper, and their family and is treated as the family pet.

TRAINING

The canine training staff members are responsible for all basic certification and all continued in-service training sessions.  In addition to the State Police Teams this staff provides training to federal government agencies, other state agencies and many municipalities.  Training is free of charge and provided to both police and fire services.  Many agencies throughout the United States as well as such countries as Cyprus, Greece, Chile and Egypt have received training from the Connecticut State Police.

BREEDS OF CANINES

Presently there are three breeds of dogs trained by the Connecticut State Police.  These are Bloodhounds, German Shepherds and Labrador Retriever.  Canines are both male and female.

BLOODHOUNDS

Bloodhounds are primarily used for searches involving missing and/or wanted persons and in complex investigations.

PATROL DOGS

The German Shepherd is the most common canine used for patrol.  Teams undergo intensive classroom and field training in such areas as; canine health care, obedience, agility, tracking, building search, handler protection and evidence recovery.  Some of these canines are also additionally trained in the field of Search and Rescue and Narcotics Detection.

SPECIALTY CANINES

The Labrador Retriever is trained and utilized for specialized scent work and within specialized assignments.  These canines are used to detect either narcotic, explosives or accelerant substances.  The world's first operational accelerant detection canine and the first New England deceased body search canine were trained by the Connecticut State Police.

For Further information you can contact the
Connecticut State Police Canine Unit at
(203) 630-5656 or fax at (203) 630-5664