Hollister Police K9 Unit

K-9 Unit

The Hollister Police Department Canine Unit was formed in April of 1999. Canine/Handler teams assume normal patrol duties in conjunction with supporting uniformed patrol officers in handling calls of substantially higher risk. These can include building/area searches for suspects, apprehension of combative or armed suspects, and tracking of fleeing suspects or lost children. 

Canine handlers are required to purchase their canine partners either privately or through community donations. Once the funds are raised, each handler is required to complete a rigorous 160 hour canine handler class which is concluded with a qualification test that requires both handler and canine to perform as a team. After complete the training classes the handlers can deploy their canine to patrol the city. The canine handlers are required to continually train with their canine partners for a minimum of sixteen hours a month. This training includes tracking, obedience, handler protection, and building/area searches.

The Hollister Police Department’s Canine Unit currently consists of no one Canine/Handler team. The department's canine was purchased from Mar-Ken International Canine Training Center in Santa Cruz, CA., who also coordinates the monthly maintenance training that each Canine/Handler team must complete on an ongoing basis. The dogs are trained for both patrol work and drug detection work. The drug detection course that each Canine/Handler team must complete is a 160 hour course consisting of training the canines to detect the odor of several types of illegal drugs that are commonly used.

The Hollister Police Canine Unit also participates in education of the community through demonstrations for schools, community groups, fairs, or any other community event. If you would like to schedule a demonstration, please contact the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330.