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The West Whiteland Township Police
Department
Canine Unit was formed in 1999 under the
direction of
Lt. Steve Meacham and currently consists
of two highly trained teams. The first canine
team of Ofc. Matt Herkner and his partner
Canine Beny are certified in police patrol
and narcotics detection. The second team of
Ofc. Mark Smith and his partner Canine
Caesar are certified in police patrol and
explosives detection. The canine teams are
assigned to the patrol division and work
under the supervision of the Patrol
Lieutenant. The canine teams operate out of
two specialized police cars. These cars are
equipped with a canine container, a heat
sensor unit, and a door opener. The heat
sensor monitors the temperature of the
canine container and activates a fan in the
event of excessive heat. The canine door
opener allows the canine handler to deploy
his canine partner when away from the
vehicle.
The canine teams receive twenty-six weeks of
initial training at the Philadelphia Police
Canine Academy. The training consists of
sixteen weeks of patrol training and ten
weeks of scent training. The training is
completed in accordance with the guidelines
established by the
United States Police Canine Association.
After completing their initial twenty-six
weeks of training the canine teams are
required to complete two days of in-service
training per month.
The canine teams are certified in police
patrol: obedience, tracking for suspects,
tracking for missing children, building
searches, evidence recovery searches, field
searches, criminal apprehension, and handler
protection. Each canine team is also
certified in either the detection of
narcotics or explosives.
The initial costs for the canine purchases,
training, and vehicle modifications were
paid for by generous donations by private
citizens and businesses. The citizens of
West Whiteland Township were not responsible
for any of these initial costs. The
Colebrook Manor Animal Hospital located at
637 West Lincoln Highway in Exton, PA has
also donated their veterinary services to
the Canine Unit.
The Canine Unit is an important part of the
police department as the canine teams are
responsible for responding to all "in
progress" calls. The Canine Unit assists the
patrol division, the criminal investigation
division, and the emergency response team as
needed. The Canine Unit also provides public
demonstrations throughout the year. To
inquire about a demonstration please contact
Lt. Claude Frisbie by email or by
calling the police department at (610)
363-0200. General information questions can
also be sent to the
Canine Unit.
The Canine Unit would like to thank the
support of the community throughout the
years. This continued support is reflected
in the success of the Canine Unit. |
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