K-9 Unit

Mission
The mission of the Canine Unit is to support the Patrol Division via the application of police service dogs trained in tracking, apprehension, and narcotics detection, in order to enhance officer safety, capture of suspects, and assist in evidence collection.

Officer Molloy and Police Dog Sandor

Personnel
Authorized staffing for the Canine Unit is three full-time dog handlers. Supervision of the Canine Unit is a collateral assignment of a bureau of field operations supervisor.

Police Dog Sandor training

Accomplishments
Officer Cole Langdon achieved his certification as master trainer with the Washington State Police Canine Association. He has served as a primary instructor during recent state canine conferences, and certified several new canine teams from outside agencies. Sergeant Jason Valentine and Officer Curtis Zatylny achieved the level of master handler during this past year. All of our K-9 teams are now at the master handler level.

Officer Langdon (K-9 Buddy) and Officer Zatylny (K-9 Werner) participated in the World Police and Fire Games held in British Columbia. This was our first year competing. Officer Zatylny and K-9 Werner ranked 14th overall out of a field of 23.

Officer Langdon (Buddy), Sergeant Valentine (Sandor) and Officer Zatylny (Werner) attend annual conferences, seminars and other canine trainings and have achieved their respective certification and qualification requirements.

2009 Activity	Lynnwood	Edmonds	MLT	Other	TOTAL
Applications	85	16	18	94	213
Apprehensions	32	4	2	13	51
Bites	3	1	0	6	10
Finds	54	3	4	24	85
Narcotics	46	3	4	8	61
Evidence	8	0	0	16	24
TOTAL	228	27	28	161	444