The SPD K9 Unit is under the command of Capt. David Martin. The K9 Unit provides trained K9 Teams to assist in the prevention and detection of crime, the tracking of missing persons and persons sought by the police, the search for evidence or of buildings or outdoor areas, as well as the detection of narcotics and firearms

The Springfield Police K9 Unit is the second largest municipal unit in the state. The program was reintroduced in 1996 with six officers and their K9 partners. They are presently trained and certified under the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) or the New England State Police Administrator Conference (NESPAC) guidelines.

The K9 Unit teams are trained initially for 14-16 weeks at K9 Patrol Academy. Such teams are considered single purpose teams. Teams that return for more extensive training, such as in Narcotics detection, are considered dual purpose teams.

Our K9 teams have assisted numerous cities and towns throughout the state in criminal investigations such as house breaks, homicides, missing persons, etc. Springfield K9s even responded to the terrorist act at the Boston Marathon.

The Springfield Police K9 Unit also serves as goodwill ambassadors to the Springfield school system doing numerous K9 demonstrations for the students. In fact, K9 Mr. Warner received his name from the Warner Street Elementary School following an essay contest by the students. The K9 Unit also has participated in numerous charitable events such as Coats for Kids, Ride to Remember, Pancake Breakfasts, C3 policing picnics, and National Night Out.

See more on our Facebook page, Springfield Police K9 Unit.