The Canine Program was initiated in 1990 with 4 dogs.
Waterloo Police currently has 4 certified working dogs.
Three canine handlers are assigned to the Patrol Division and handle their canine responsibilities in addition to their patrol duties.
The Waterloo Police Canine Unit uses Belgian Malinois and an English lab.
Canines and their handlers undergo six weeks of training before being certified for duty.
The canine program averages more than 160 narcotics searches, 80 building searches, 55 tracking calls, and 25 officer assists annually in addition to numerous public demonstrations.
