K-9 Unit Officer Specialized Assignment

K-9 Unit Officer

Specialized Assignment 

Job Summary

The Belmont Police Department seeks a certified Police Officer to join our team as a full-time K-9 Handler. The K-9 Officer works under the general supervision of K-9 Supervisor and may be given specific work instructions on new assignments, but works most often with considerable independence in performing regularly assigned duties.  Work is reviewed through conferences, observation of results obtained, evaluation of reports and projects.

Supervision Exercised

The K-9 handler is in charge of his/her partner. They are the deciding factor in decisions to deploy the K-9 based on his/her training, experience, and knowledge of the K-9’s ability.  An on-duty Supervisor who is on the scene and informed of the situation posed to the K-9 handler may make the decision not to deploy the K-9. The K-9 Handler can direct personnel to form a perimeter and assign officers as backup officers for tracks and other functions.

The Belmont Police K-9 Team will be available on a twenty-four hour on-call basis to:

a.       Conduct building searches for offenders who may be hiding
b.       Assist in the arrest of dangerous or violent offenders
c.       Prevent the escape of serious/violent offenders
d.       Protect others from death or serious injury
e.       Track suspects
f.        Locate lost or missing persons
g.       Locate criminal evidence or hidden instruments
h.       Detect the presence of concealed Narcotics

Unit Qualification and Training

Applicants for the Belmont Police K-9 Unit should have:

a.       A minimum of two consecutive years of experience in uniform patrol
b.       A satisfactory work performance record
c.       No disciplinary or medical problems
d.       The ability to pass medical, emotional, and physical agility tests
e.       Willingness to train and to be trained
f.        Willingness to accept orders as given and carry them out
g.       Willingness to remain with the unit for a period of five years
h.       Willingness to train and care for the assigned animal
i.        The ability to house the animal in an appropriate manner
j.        Willingness to respond to call-outs 

The Chief of Police will reserve the right to select K-9 Officers with the aid of the K-9 Unit Supervisor. 

All Belmont Police K-9’s will meet established certification requirements according to professionally accepted standards. 

New K-9 Officers will complete the prescribed K-9 training course and meet all course requirements. 

All K-9 Officers will complete the prescribed minimum maintenance training subsequent to actual field operations. 

a.       Maintenance training will be conducted under the supervision of a certified Police K-9 Trainer. 

The K-9 handler will be responsible for maintaining records of K-9 activity and training.  The use of the K-9 will be documented in a Call for Service and any deployment of the K-9 Unit will be documented in an Offense or Arrest report.  

K-9 handlers are responsible for the daily care, feeding, grooming, and handling of the assigned dog.  Such care will include: 

a.         Maintenance and cleaning of the kennel and yard area where the K-9 is housed

b.         Provision of food, water, and general diet maintenance as prescribed by the K-9 Unit Supervisor or Veterinarian

c.         Grooming on a daily basis, or more often, as required by the weather, working conditions, or other factors

d.         Maintain cleanliness of the assigned cruiser, specifically the transportation compartment for the K-9

Application: 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Lt. Evan Boulanger eboulanger@belmontnh.gov

Open until Filled:

The K-9 selection process will be fulfilled upon a satisfactory 6-month probationary period.

The Town of Belmont is an EOE.