K-9 Unit

Sgt. A. Puckett & Chase

Officer C. Catalano & Finn

   Officer L. Collie & Lagos 

Officer J. Myers & Velo

Officer M. Pender & Kyra
The Wake Forest Police Department K-9 Unit was created in 1997. The K-9 Unit currently consists of five K-9 teams and is supervised by Sgt. Anthony Puckett.

One of the greatest values of police K-9s is their presence on the street. K-9s have a tremendous psychological effect and, as a result, are a tremendous deterrent to criminal activity. Their purpose is not to replace the police officer, but to work as a member of a K-9 team. The K-9's remarkable sense of smell and hearing are the primary reasons police departments utilize them. These senses allow the dog to perform functions that the human officer cannot. Another value of the K-9 is the fact that they do not experience any fear. As a result, they will gladly give their life to protect their handler.

 


NORTH CAROLINA POLICE DOG ASSOCIATION (NCPDA)
The Wake Forest Police Department K-9 Unit is certified through the North Carolina Police Dog Association (NCPDA).  The NCPDA is a nationally recognized certification program with specific guidelines for all of the job functions that the K-9 teams must perform. If they do not meet the guidelines for each job function, they fail.

Each K-9 team certifies in the following job functions:

  • Vehicle and Building Narcotics Detection  
  • Tracking/Trailing  
  • Control/Obedience 
  • Evidence Search  
  • Area Search  
  • Building Search 
  • Vehicle Stops  
  • Criminal Apprehension 
  • Recall from Apprehension 
  • Suspect Apprehension    
  • Suspect Approach   


PAST WAKE FOREST POLICE DEPARTMENT K-9’s

  • Chico (1997-2005)
  • Judge (1998-2006)  
  • Maverick (2004-2011)
  • Ozzy (2004-2006)
  • Sixx (2006-2010)


FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you have any questions about the Wake Forest Police Department K-9 Unit or would like to request a K-9 public demonstration, please contact Sgt. Anthony Puckett at (919) 435-9599 or apuckett@wakeforestnc.gov.