City of Houston presents unique challenges for law enforcement. The most dangerous battles in the war on crime require the highest level of skill and precision. When situations become extreme the Houston Police Department SWAT Team is deployed. A few years ago, they added a new weapon to their arsenal when they began to partner with tactical K9 units. The HPD SWAT Team now has two such units at their disposal, K9 officer DA Thomas with K9 Rudy and K9 officer MH Gage III with K9 Falco.  

 Tactical canines are carefully chosen based on their temperament. They must be well trained, and show restraint and stability in situations involving gunfire. The canine’s relationship with his handler is also crucial. The handler must be a seasoned officer who is able to determine when to deploy the canine and when to hold him back. Since the final decision to deploy the canine must be made by the handler, his disposition is also a major factor in the success of the tactical K9

 Regardless of training, a canine has advantages over his human counterpart that make him an invaluable part of the search process. His senses drastically exceed those of a human, particularly his sense of smell. A canine’s nose is infinitely more sensitive than a person’s nose, and better able to separate smells. Some explain the separation using the so-called “stew theory”. A human may smell stew, but the canine smells potatoes, onions, carrots, etc. He also smells them at a much greater distance.

SWAT Teams often face situations involving hidden, desperate and potentially armed suspects. A tactical K9 can lead a search, using their keen senses to clear an area, thereby significantly reducing the risk for human officers. If the canine shows no alert, his handler will quietly command him go into a “down and stay” position. SWAT Team members then close in behind the canine and they proceed through the cleared area. The process may be repeated until an entire building is secured or a suspect is located.

When the canine locates a suspect and gives an alert, the SWAT Team can initiate an arrest or begin negotiations. The canine may be moved back and remain on standby, ready to assist in the arrest process if necessary. Some suspects refuse to cooperate and surrender even after the canine has revealed their location. The canine may then be deployed to enter the suspect’s hiding area and physically apprehend him.

In large open areas, SWAT Teams provide armed support to the handler with the canine in the position of lead or off-lead. In such instances, the canine diminishes the risk of the human officers unknowingly approaching a well-hidden suspect, placing them in jeopardy.  When not in the lead, the canine is also effective on the periphery, should a suspect try to run from officers or physically struggle as the attempt to apprehend him. 

Fortunately, most situations involving SWAT Teams and canines end peacefully. Many suspects will surrender upon hearing the canine’s alert, having a greater fear of the dog than the human officers. The tactical K9 enhances a SWAT Team’s speed, safety, and efficiency.

Tactical Operation Swat/K9