O.P.P. Canine unit display at I.P.M.

[J.A.]

Saw the O.P.P. / M.N.R. Canine unit display at the International Plowing Match
today near Listowel, Ont.

Just amazing to see what these dogs can detect and do. They had a dog find 10 grams of marijuana sealed in a zip loc bag in the centre of a suitcase, a fish fillet in another sealed bag in a suitcase. They had a \"fake\" gun fight with a guy with a shotgun and the dog jumped and pulled the gun right out of his hands at the blink of an eye. They had another \"bad guy\" run away from a crime scene and the dog grabbed the arm bag and halted him in seconds.

These Canine units are very dedicated and it would take a very devoted spouse to support you in this role.

Is it true you have to be with the force 5 years before they will even think of putting you into canine training?

J.A.

[cowboylaw]

I'm not sure - but I will ask my local OPP office and see if they can give you the answer. I would love to be a part of that unit though ... a lot of work, but the rewards would be amazing. I'll get back to you about the down time before you can get into the unit.

[cowboylaw]

I checked into it for you with my friends at the OPP. She told me that they have accepted a Cst.'s request prior to 5 years of service, but life experience played a big part of the selection. They want you to wait that time in order to learn your job before moving on to another type of police work. She suggested anyone thinking about this route, to sit back and do your 5 years and enjoy it, rather than rushing through it -looking for other options. I think that is good advise.