Did you know that most K-9 handlers are multilingual, working with canine officers who respond to commands in foreign languages?

Just before winter break, members of CA’s CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and SAR (Search and Rescue) clubs met with members of the Raleigh Police Department’s Special Operations Division at Dix Park. There, they learned about the specialized roles that K-9 and SWAT officers play in serving the community and the training officers in those units receive.

Director of Safety and Security, Jeff Wacenske, accompanied CA’s CERT and SAR clubs on December 19, 2019 for presentations from the RPD’s Selective Enforcement Unit and K-9 units. Captain J.A. Taylor of RPD’s Special Operations Division assisted in coordinating and conducting the presentations.

SEU’s Officer Hogan showed the students what equipment is routinely carried in a SWAT officer’s patrol vehicle and shared what a typical day is like for SWAT. He also discussed the “not-so-typical” specialty requests they receive, including: serving drug search warrants, dignitary protection, barricaded subjects, high-risk arrest warrant service.

The K-9 unit’s Sergeant Hoyle explained how extensive the training of a K-9 is and how RPD goes about acquiring a K-9. Demonstrations were held on how a K-9 conducts an article search and person search. Sergeant Hoyle also shared that part of the K-9 training includes protecting the handler, in the event that the police officer is being assaulted. He revealed that, in most cases, the commands a handler gives to their K-9 are in a foreign language.

In both instances, students had the opportunity for a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of crisis and emergency response careers.

CA’s CERT program trains students to prepare for emergencies in their communities. CERT students also help with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community.