History to Present

The New London Police Department started its first canine program in 1984. Since that time, fourteen K-9 teams have served the citizens of New London as members of this unit. The efforts of these teams have resulted in numerous criminal arrests, the recovery of stolen property and narcotics, and the location of wanted and missing persons. As a result of these uses, both handlers and canines have sustained injuries, with some being serious in nature.   

Teams

The teams have received certifications from the North American Police Work Dog Association, Connecticut State Police Work Dog Association, and the New England State Police Association. This unit has utilized German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, and Bloodhounds. These teams have been certified for patrol, narcotics detection, and search and rescue. The "patrol canine" utilized by the New London Police Department is trained in Obedience, Agility, Tracking/Training, Building Searches, Area Searches, Evidence Recovery, Criminal Apprehension, and Handler Protection. Our police canines provide support to the Uniform Services Division during their search for suspects, missing or wanted persons, and the location of evidence and narcotics. Our canine teams also provide tactical support to our narcotics unit during high-risk warrant service and high-risk warrant entries.   

Training

The basic training course for a "Tactical Police K-9 Team" consists of 12 weeks and more than 500 hours of classroom and field training. The New London Police Department has trained police canine teams for other law enforcement agencies in Connecticut and other states. Services for New London Police Department Canine Unit Teams have been requested and met from other law enforcement agencies, both in Connecticut and other states as far away as Michigan. Request for mutual aid canine assistance should be made to the New London Police Department Shift Commander at (860) 447-5281.

Any inquires on training, public demonstrations or information on starting a police canine program can be directed to the Uniform Services Commander, Captain Todd Bergeson, at (860) 447-5262.