Larimer County Sheriff's K9 Unit Features 8 Specialized Teams to Enhance Officer Safety
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office operates a specialized K9 Unit with eight dog-handler teams designed to reduce response times and increase officer safety during dangerous calls, according to information released by the department September 20.
Each K9 team saves an estimated 800 to 1,000 officer hours annually while responding to violent incidents, building searches related to alarms or forced entry reports, fleeing suspect tracking, and narcotic investigations. The unit maintains at least one K9 on call at all times to assist with emergency situations.
The specialized teams support other tactical units including SWAT, the Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, and federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF. Recent incidents have demonstrated the value of multi-agency cooperation, including a September 15 pursuit that involved deputies using specialized tactics to stop a dangerous wrong-way driver on Interstate 25.
The K9 Unit includes five dogs certified in both patrol functions and narcotic detection, one dog assigned to the Jail Division for narcotic detection, and one ATF-certified explosives detection K9. All handlers must complete a minimum of 20 hours of group training monthly, in addition to daily individual training with their assigned dogs.
Larimer County's eight-team K9 unit compares favorably to neighboring jurisdictions, with Boulder County operating five K9 teams for a smaller population and geographic area. Weld County, which covers more territory and residents, historically maintains between four and eight teams depending on funding and operational requirements.
Colorado does not mandate specific K9 certification through the state's Peace Officer Standards and Training board. Instead, teams must obtain annual certification through nationally recognized organizations such as the Colorado Police Canine Association or National Police Canine Association, according to Boulder County Sheriff's Office standards. These certifications test obedience, agility, evidence detection, suspect apprehension, handler protection, and specialized detection capabilities.
The certification process requires teams to demonstrate proficiency in multiple areas, with organizations like the National Police Canine Association requiring dogs to locate three of four target items during scent detection tests to maintain certification.
Police K9s in Colorado typically serve six to nine years before retirement, depending on health and breed factors. Upon retirement, most departments transfer ownership to the handler, who assumes responsibility for ongoing veterinary care and living expenses. Some agencies provide limited post-retirement medical coverage, but handlers generally bear the majority of costs, which can range from $1,000 to $2,000 annually for routine care.
When not working, all Larimer County Sheriff's Office K9s live at home with their handler families. The department emphasized that these specialized teams serve as valuable assets for both the agency and the community.
The K9 Unit's diverse capabilities allow deputies to resolve complex situations more efficiently while reducing risks to human officers during potentially dangerous encounters. Training requirements ensure teams maintain peak performance standards necessary for public safety operations throughout Larimer County.