The K-9 Unit was formed in 2005 with two handlers and two K-9’s. The K-9’s unique and superior sense of smell makes them an ideal tool for locating suspects, drugs, and other evidence that could possibly be overlooked by officers. They are trained to bite as an apprehension tool, but only in specific circumstances. They are also used to deter individuals who may otherwise choose to run from or obstruct police officers. They have proven to be highly effective at gaining compliance from resistant individuals, thereby saving officers from injury sustained by foot pursuits or physical confrontations.