The K-9 Unit of the Rock Island Police Department
The Rock Island Police Department has a long history of Police K-9 Units. The Department started its unit in 1980 with four German
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Officer Ryan DeRudder &
K-9 Jago
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Shepherds that were trained as all-purpose utility dogs. Shortly after the unit started, it was expanded with the addition of a bloodhound. These dogs were utilized for several years before retiring.
When the Shepherds retired they were replaced with two Belgium Malinois. Currently, Officer Ryan DeRudder partners with K-9 Jago and Officer Matthew Franks partners with K-9 Rino.
Each K-9 and handler team undergoes 12 weeks of training as an initial training period. They also train one day a month with other local police agencies to improve their skills. The K-9’s are only assigned to their partner and live with them at the officer’s home. This promotes a closer relationship between the K-9 and his partner. Each officer is responsible for the care and maintenance of the K-9.
Each officer and K-9 team are trained as “all purpose” utility teams. The teams are trained in obedience, tracking, article search, area search, building search, narcotics detection, fugitive apprehension and officer protection. One day a month is spent at a
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Officer Matthew Franks &
K-9 Rino
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structured training session and handlers also spend countless hours of their own time working with their K-9’s to master each task.
Along with their patrol duties the K-9 teams also conduct locker searches at local high schools and give K-9 demonstrations for many different groups and organizations as requested throughout the year.
If your organization would like to request a K-9 demonstration, please submit your request in writing to the Chief of Police at 316 16th Street, Rock Island, Illinois 61201.
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