See The Sedalia Police K-9 Unit In Action Next Week

One of the more fascinating parts of police work for us civilians has to be police department K-9 programs. You can experience Sedalia's program up close next Wednesday, February 15, at the Heckart Community Center at 12:30 PM CST.

It's amazing to watch these dogs work as they try to seek out drugs. Or willingly put themselves between the bad person and the police officer. When I lived in Lubbock and took the Lubbock Law Enforcement Citizens Academy I had an opportunity to see these dogs work up close and personal. I saw them in a few different environments.

One night they hid some drugs in our classroom, and then had one of the K-9s search for them. Another time, in a simulation of a hostage situation on a bus. And finally, we got to see the handler and K9 do some of their regular training exercises.

There's just something special about watching these athletic, loyal, beautiful dogs work.

On Wednesday, the Sedalia Police Department K9 Unit will be at the Sedalia Senior Center at the Heckart Community Center, 1800 W 3rd Street, for a demonstration of how officers work with their K9 partners. It's expected that the demonstration will last about an hour.

According to the Sedalia Police Department, "The K-9 Unit consists of two officers and their Belgian Malinois dogs.  Both Officers and K-9s trained at the Little Rock K-9 Academy where they received their certification in Narcotics.  The K-9s are trained to detect the odors of Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, and Methamphetamine."