THE SAINT CLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT K-9 UNIT

SGT. WILLIAM M. DEMPSEY AND K-9 BRUNO

About S.C.P.D.’s K-9 Unit:

The Saint Clair Police Department’s Police K-9 Unit was started in the summer of 2003 following extensive training for both Sgt. Dempsey and K-9 Bruno. Bruno was imported from Slovakia and comes from a long line of Working Dogs. The use of police canines helps keep officers out of danger and can even reduce the chance of serious injury to suspects in certain situations. Sometimes offenders try and hide from officers in places where a dog is much more efficient in finding them. Some of these offenders are very dangerous and may be armed. The use of the dogs helps reduce the danger for officers during apprehension efforts. The dogs may allow officers to avoid using higher levels of force, including deadly force, to take offenders into custody. The K-9 is also used to help rid our community of illegal drugs.

In the community

In addition to these law enforcement duties, the K-9 units are very popular at public events. Our Canine Officer and Bruno have made appearances at a variety of events including schools, Boy Scout meetings, and other community activities.  Introducing a police K-9 to the public is a great way to develop rapport with the community and especially with children. In our community, the need for K-9 officers and their partners will only continue to increase.

K-9s on duty

Saint Clair’s K-9 unit is an increasingly valuable tool in the battle against narcotics use. They are particularly helpful in searching easily concealed drugs. Bruno is trained to detect all popular illgal street drugs. Besides assisting narcotics officers, K-9 units are very effective in searching vehicles, searching schools, tracking suspects, and performing a variety of other tasks. Because of the demand for these skills, the police department has recently increased the type and amount of training the K-9 Unit receives.

K-9 training

Sgt. Dempsey and Bruno have completed a four month intensive police k-9 academy. Daily training is needed to maintain skill needed for the job. Monthly training is completed at Consummate K-9 overseen by master trainers Dave Balmatt and Brett Easterday. Training is conducted at a new indoor/outdoor facility in Andreas, Pa just north of New Tripoli, at the base of the Blue Mountain.

Get to know the K-9 Unit

If your organization would like to request a demonstration by the Saint Clair K-9 Unit, contact us for details:             

Sgt. William M. Dempsey

                                                PHONE/VOICE MAIL: 570-429-3050