Since the start of its K-9 Patrol division in 1990, the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office has added a number of four-legged law enforcement professionals to its crime fighting team. They don't wear uniforms, but they are among the hardest working members of the LPSO staff.

Today, the K-9 Patrol includes four teams consisting of a handler and a dog working in a unique partnership. Under the direction of their handlers, the dogs assist with patrol and narcotics duties such as traffic stops, car and building searches and tracking. They are trained to pursue and apprehend, with minimum force, criminals fleeing a serious crime and arrest. "They also assist with searches for guns, knives, clothing and other evidence and are often called out to assist with drug and bomb searches at schools in the parish," explains Mike Zeigler, LPSO Training Coordinator.

Zeigler was instrumental in establishing the K-9 Patrol division and served as the LPSO's first K-9 officer. "The dogs complete a rigorous training program and are about 75% of the way through their training when they come to us. The dogs and their handlers then go through four more weeks of training together before they are ready for patrol," added Zeigler. The training for the K-9 teams doesn't stop there. Every Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. is dedicated to on-going training sessions in all aspects of K-9 duties. The dogs are trained in agility for climbing and jumping fences, as well as in obedience.

At present, the K-9s in service with the LPSO are all Belgian Malinois, a medium size breed of dog with exceptional beauty and working ability. In addition to police work, they are often used for herding and tracking and are well known for their obedience. They resemble the German Shepherd but have many differences from this breed in terms of size, bone structure, color, and head and ear shape. The Belgian is generally a lighter, quicker, more agile dog. They are well suited for police work and can provide as many as 10-12 years of service.

The LPSO K-9 teams recently attended the U.S. Police Canine Association Region 10 trials which offered the teams the opportunity to complete the annual certification process and compete with other K-9 teams from Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. "All our K-9 teams certified and qualified for the national competition to be held in October in Florida. We are sending our entire K-9 crew and are expecting high ratings," said Zeigler. "They will also go through the national certification process at this event. Anytime the dogs certify, it helps us in the event of a challenge in court by demonstrating the qualifications and abilities of the officers and their dogs."