The Minnesota State Patrol K-9 unit is currently staffed with 13 K-9 teams. Twelve of the teams are trained to detect the odor of narcotics, and one team is trained to detect explosives. The State Patrol's dogs are not trained in other typical police functions such as apprehension or tracking. They live with their State Trooper handlers' families.

Duties

Our K-9s are responsible for sniffing out illegal drugs destined for Minnesota communities. These dogs can sniff a variety of areas, such as vehicles, rooms, luggage or anywhere else items can be hidden. They do this in a fraction of the time it would take a human to search the same space.

K-9 teams are stationed in various parts of the state. All Minnesota State Patrol K-9 teams regularly respond to requests for assistance from allied law enforcement agencies. Requests range from assisting other troopers on traffic stops, to assisting local law enforcement where drugs are believed to be hidden inside houses or other structures.

Breeds

Our K-9 unit includes dogs of the following breeds:

• Belgian Malinois
• German shepherd
• Dutch shepherd
• Hungarian vizsla
• German shorthair pointer
• German wirehaired pointer

Training

Troopers and their K-9 partners meet as a group for two days of training each month. Handlers perform maintenance training throughout the month. This regular training is imperative for both the dog and handler to maintain their high level of performance.  

Once each year, the teams complete a national certification through the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA). The minimum passing score is a 91.6%.