History:

   The Lewiston Police K-9 Unit was established in 1999 via a federal grant and the donation of two German Shepherds, Duke and Sarge.  Officers Tim Morin and Ryan Rawstron the Department's K-9 handlers.  Both handlers and dogs underwent an extensive 12 week training program and graduated from the 16th Maine State Police Basic Patrol Dog School in June, 1999.  Each K-9 Team has been trained in basic obedience, handling techniques, and tactics. 

Purpose:

   Police K-9's have been in use for decades.  They were originally chosen for their well known sense of smell and bravery.  A K-9 has approximately 220 Million Olfactory Sensory Cells (the cells used for smell) whereas a human has approximately 5 Million!  They can smell persons or items in hiding where a human officer never could.  K-9's have the ability to discriminate up to 26 different scents at one time.  They can be trained to detect and respond to a large number of odors or scents.  Their purpose is to protect the handlers and to find hidden persons or objects.

Patrol:

   There is currently a K-9 team assigned to day watch and one to night watch.  Each team is responsible for general patrol duties as well as responding to all calls where a K-9 may be needed.  During their regularly scheduled shifts, canine units are available to conduct building searches for offenders in hiding.  They also protect officers and others from serious injury and can track suspects or locate lost or missing persons, hidden objects and evidence of crimes. 

Click one of the hyperlinks below to view some K-9 action shots  >>>>>