The working police K-9 have become an integral part of law enforcement. For centuries now, dogs have had a well-established place in law enforcement. Working as loyal members of teams with their human partners, they have proven to be invaluable in such vital areas as explosive detection, narcotics detection, and searching for criminals as well as lost or missing persons, including children and Alzheimer’s patients.

These frontline partners in the fight against crime lay their lives on the line every day.  In many ways, dogs contribute more to achievement of law enforcement objectives than sophisticated law enforcement technology.

The dogs can also work much faster in a building search.  In a test of searching a warehouse, it took 4 or 5 officers almost 2 ½ hours on average to complete a search, and usually they didn’t find anyone.  A dog did the same work in 15 minutes with 100 percent success.

Despite the long and distinguished history of canines in law enforcement, their capabilities and applications are still emerging.  As a detector the dog is still unsurpassed because he is able to multiplex trained odors in unusual situations and new environments.  At night the K-9 sees clearly.  His senses alert him to the armed suspect nobody realizes is there.

Oregon City Police Department received some much-needed help in December 2003 when Titus, the Department’s first K-9 officer, joined the Department.  The ability to add Titus to the Department was made possible after community members donated over $20,000 for his purchase and training.  Veterinarian care, food, a kennel, and other supplies were also donated by local businesses.  Titus accompanies his handler, Officer Dan Shockley, on patrol and has already been responsible for the apprehension of several suspects.

Due to the success of the Oregon City police Department K-9 program another K-9 was added in Aril 2008. Jagger is a three – year – old Belgian Malinois who was imported from Germany. Officer Shaun Davis was selected as Jagger’s handler.

Officer Davis and Jagger attended K-9 training, which included obedience, protection (bite work), tracking, area searches, water training, building searches, person searches, and vehicle extractions.

This training resulted in Jagger becoming certified through the Oregon Police Canine Association. After receiving his certification Jagger started his first shift with officer Davis on May 11, 2008.

As with Titus, much of the expense of purchasing, training and caring of Jagger was made possible through the donations and generosity of the Oregon City Community.