K9 teams compete in annual LVMPD K9 Trials in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — You’ve seen them on TV. You may have even seen them in person. But now you can see them in action. The dogs in blue are taking center stage for the 32nd Annual Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department K9 trials. These aren’t your typical furry friends, but highly skilled police dogs who are trained to serve and protect.

“People think of canines as soft, furry friendly animals, and they are, but they’re also hard-working,’ Karen Marben, Executive Director of the LVMPD Foundation said. “They really are here to make our community safer.”

K9 teams from law enforcement, military, and hotel and casino properties competed in a variety of events over two days. Saturday’s quiet, private competition required increased focus and concentration from the K9s as they completed narcotics and bomb searches, while Sunday’s action-packed event included obstacle courses, decoys, agility, and handler protection.

“The LVMPD canine unit is one of the largest in the nation and it’s really important for them to have this ongoing training and recognition,” Marben said. “This is a big part of their yearlong training for the dogs and the handlers that they get to see how some of the handlers from the other states, what techniques they’re using and what they can learn to continue to improve themselves.”

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department K9 section is one of the oldest continuously operating K9 units in the United States. It’s comprised of 16 officers, three sergeants, one lieutenant, 18 patrol dogs, five narcotic detector dogs, and five explosive detector dogs.

The top three finishers in the K9 Trials will receive tough dog, top dog, and top agency awards. Proceeds from merchandise sales will go to provide healthcare for retired K9s as well as other resources to make the Las Vegas valley safer.

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