Canine Unit
The Ottawa Police Canine Unit currently has fifteen working dogs in service. Each dog is thoroughly tested before being accepted into the program and is expected to perform at a high level each and every day they come to work.
Often police officers, as do members of the public, find themselves in harmful situations. Our service dogs provide an additional level of protection to our officers and the public when called upon to apprehend offenders. Our German Shepherds are trained for the most physically demanding tasks expected of a police 
dog:
- they locate lost or missing people;
- track wanted persons and potentially dangerous individuals; and
- are called upon to provide support during tactical operations.
The Ottawa Police also has several detector dogs in service. This specialized group, mostly Labs, are trained to detect everything from controlled drugs and substances, to explosives. Although it is not as physically demanding as the German Shepherds' tasks, detection is every bit as important for the safety of our community.
Canines provides support to all sections within the Ottawa Police Service. When they’re not busy with day to day operations, the officers and their canine partners are often seen at community events, giving everyone a chance to see the dogs in action.
Contact a member of the Ottawa Police Canine Unit by use of this email form.