- The Peterborough Police Service Canine (K9) Unit was formed in 1997. Six police service dogs (PSD) have since served and been retired.
- Currently, Constable Kyle Adey with PSD Chase and Constable Robert Cowie with PSD Isaac can be seen patrolling the streets of Peterborough Lakefield and in the Township of Cavan Monaghan.
- Police Service Dogs have many responsibilities. Their expertise includes narcotic detection, tracking, agility, article search, building search, open search, chase and apprehension, and handler protection.
- All handlers must complete an extensive thirteen-week course where the handler and dog learn as a team. Our PSD teams are trained and continue maintenance training under direction of the Niagara Regional Police Canine Unit.
- The K9 teams attend numerous public functions and school presentations.
2019 Overview:
In 2019 the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield and the Township of Cavan Monaghan were well served by Constable Bob Cowie, and his Police Service Dog (PSD) partner Isaac, and Constable Kyle Adey, and his PSD partner Chase. Both canine teams were extremely dedicated to the canine program and the communities they served.
The Canine Unit is a seven day a week, 24 hour a day commitment. Both officers, and their partners, are interacting constantly whether during established work shifts or on their off hours.
Training is a daily occurrence and the dedication required to foster an effective team is second to no other unit or section at the
Peterborough Police Service. Their professionalism and usefulness has been proven during numerous calls-for-service in Peterborough, and in some neighbouring jurisdictions as well where their specialized skill set has been requested to assist local police services in Cobourg and Kawartha Lakes.
The Peterborough Police Service recognizes the 20 year partnership with the Niagara Regional Police Service who, under the leadership of Sergeant Scott Johnstone, provides the Canine Unit’s monthly training and semi-annual certification. The success the Canine Unit enjoys could not be realized without this partnership.
Canine officers are responsible for the care and maintenance of their canine partners 24/7. Officers also make routine adjustments to their schedules to attend presentations and events at the request of
community groups.
In 2019, Canine Units responded to a combined 1,016 calls for service. During their attendance at these calls there were numerous searches for articles, drugs and persons. The dogs continue to perform at an amazing pace and are engaged in the work that they and their handlers are requested to do.
