Welcome to the Official Web Site of Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana

IMPD's Canine Section is one of the largest in the country.  It includes K9 teams trained in felony apprehension, narcotics detection, and explosive detection.

Both the human and canine members of the Canine Section's dog teams are carefully selected and trained for their duties. The selection of officers for the Canine Section involves a multi-phased assessment process that includes a physical exam, physical agility testing, written exam, interview, and background investigation.

Because the police dogs live with their handler, home facilities also are inspected. Family members and area residents are interviewed to insure there will be no concerns because of the police service dog being kenneled at the handler's home.

The Canine Section uses formal training standards and operating procedures as recommended by national police and canine associations. In a typical year, IMPD's dog teams are trained in excess of 5000 hours. This insures that the teams continue to meet Department-defined standards of proficiency.

Labrador retrievers are used for explosive detection. Several dogs are dual-trained in felony apprehension and narcotics detection.

Constant attention is given to the health and care of the Department's dogs. The average active service life of a police dog is five to seven years.

A group of local community members has formed a not-for-profit organization to help the Canine Section by raising funds. This association has played a valuable role in helping the Department obtain police service dogs, training equipment, and uniforms. It also has supported officer attendance at canine training seminars and conferences.

You may contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Canine Association at PO Box 55522, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205. Members of the Canine Section thank the Association for its support.