NCJ Number
196897
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 29 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 16-19
Date Published
September 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the latest technology in K-9 police work.
Abstract
The bullet-resistant vest for police canines is just one piece of technology that has advanced K-9 work. The Vancouver (Canada) Police Department deploys its dogs in these vests when there is evidence to indicate that a suspect may be armed. This includes an on-line deployment or a deployment off-leash in a building. Dogs that work with the SWAT team also wear vests during entries. One officer designed a custom-fitted vest with a load-bearing harness because the one-size-fits-all blanket-style body armor did not allow the freedom of movement required on the job. The K9 Storm vests fit like a second skin and prevent the dog from getting hung up while performing its duties. The Threat Level II Kevlar and Zylon vests feature double protection in the dog’s lower chest cavity and heart area, protecting the dog from weapons fire, blunt trauma, and some slash and stab injuries. The remote-activated camera system for canines to wear in search-and-rescue situations is presently in development by Sandia National Laboratories. Tiny cameras that attach to a police canine’s collar are used to send images via radio signals to a handheld television screen worn by an officer to give police officers a view of the scene from a safe position. The K-9 camera kits might assist police SWAT teams during hostage negotiations and rescues by providing video intelligence of a scene. A video recorder was added because officers want to play back the captured images. These systems were developed as a result of the 1999 Columbine School attack when officers lacked reliable information they needed to safely enter school buildings. They were tested after the World Trade Center collapse helping Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams. Critics question the usefulness of these systems and express concern about the notion of sending dogs on suicide missions. Some officers would like to see these systems equipped with global positioning systems (GPS).