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K-9

Manchester K-9 Unit

Supervisors/Trainers

Sgt. Benjamin Foster, Sgt. Robert Megowen, Capt. John Cunningham

Meet our K9 Officers and their Partners!

The Manchester Police Department K-9 Unit is comprised of six highly trained teams. Our patrol teams are trained to locate people, evidence, and contraband and, if necessary, apprehend suspects. Our patrol teams are cross-trained in illegal drug detection, explosive ordinance, and ballistic detection. There are 8 K-9 teams assigned to the patrol division, and one team is assigned to the Special Enforcement Division. The K-9 teams support all department divisions and respond to mutual aid requests from other agencies. Two K-9 teams are assigned to the SWAT team. These teams receive additional specialized training and deploy during SWAT operations.

The K-9 Unit's versatility makes it one of the most highly deployed, effective, and tactical assets at the Manchester Police Department.

The K-9 drug detection teams are utilized during illegal drug and interdiction operations. These teams are highly trained to locate concealed contraband. K-9 teams are trained to detect illegal drugs in many scenarios, including packages, vehicles, buildings, open areas, and locating hidden compartments.

The K-9 explosive ordinance and ballistic detection teams assist in detecting explosive material and ballistic-related evidence. Their deployments include safeguarding public events, protecting dignitary visits, responding to reports of suspicious activity, threats of violence, and shootings, and assisting in high-risk calls for service.

K-9 officers are selected based on their motivation, drive, and determination so that they may handle the demanding requirements of the assignment. After selection to the K-9 Unit, teams must complete their patrol and detection training. All teams train regularly to maintain a high level of proficiency and readiness. The K-9 Unit certifies to the standards set forth by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) for patrol, tracking, and specialty detection.

Each canine resides with its respective handler during its tenure of service and remains with the handler upon retirement. The canine's selfless service comes at a cost. During years of service, a canine is prone to serious injury, violent assaults, and traumatic stress. The constant wear and tear on the canines' bodies follows them into their retirement years. Once retired, the handler and their family accept full financial responsibility and care for the canine.

The Manchester Association of Police K-9s (MARK-9) was established in 2018 to provide financial assistance for the proper retirement care of Manchester police canines and the burial and memorial for fallen canines. MARK-9 is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered as a Charitable Organization with the state of New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.mapk9603.org.