The K9 Unit is comprised of three officers paired with dual-purpose canines certified for patrol and narcotics detection. These teams are on call 365 days a year, responding to a variety of situations. They provide a unique capability to the Rapid City Police Department and support other Departments in the surrounding area.

Each K9 team must be certified annually. The certification includes canine obedience and agility, tracking, suspect apprehension, handler and officer protection, building searches, field searches, evidence searches as well as narcotic detection. The Rapid City Police Department K9 Unit is certified by the State of South Dakota under the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) and International Congress Standards.

The three German Shepherds assigned to the K9 Unit were imported from Europe. Prior to a career with the Rapid City Police Department, each dog was screened, selected and trained at Fort Collins, Colorado. Each will continue training until his retirement from the unit and department.

Urie, Mako, & Magnum - Canines extraordinaire!

The Rapid City Police Department is extremely pleased it is able to provide the citizens of Rapid City with the capabilities of these service dogs. The impact they have on modern day policing is immeasurable and allows the Department to provide much better service to the community.

The K9 Unit performs several public demonstrations each year. In 2008 the K9 Unit provided public demonstrations for "Dream Night" at Bear Country USA, several church groups, the Kennel Club Dog Show, youth classes at Youth and Family Services (YFS), and intermissions at youth sporting events. If your organization would like to arrange a demonstration or have questions about K9 Unit demonstrations, please contact Sgt. Mark Eisenbraun at patrolint3@rcgov.org.

Mako and his handler, Jason LaHaie

Jackson and his handler, Marc Black

Magnum and his handler, Chris Holbrook