Patrol Services

K-9s (canines) can be trained to perform a wide variety of tasks depending on the needs of the department and the profile of the community they serve. West Hartford's K-9 has expertise in tracking, drug detection, building searches, officer protection and suspect apprehension.

K-9s are recognized as legitimate and invaluable tools in modern law enforcement. The deterrent effect K-9s have on crime and the actions of a suspect is immeasurable. On many an occasion, the mere suggestion of a police K-9 being deployed has caused individuals to come out of hiding places or to comply immediately with an officer's commands.

In an effort to educate the general public about the benefits of K-9 utilization, the team often performs demonstrations in tactical obedience, article searches, narcotics detection and criminal apprehension. From elementary school visits to community presentations, the K-9 Unit is always a popular and highly respected attraction.

The Emergency Reporting Center (911) is the hub of all incoming calls for police, fire or medical emergency assistance. More than 60,000 calls for service are received each year, with each one logged through the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system.

Public safety dispatchers working in ERC must undergo months of specialized training to hone their skills in handling all types of calls. They are also trained to provide medical instructions over the phone to victims of emergencies while the police and ambulance are en route.

During the course of an average day, dispatchers respond to dozens of potentially life-threatening situations. The confidence and capability they display are of great value to the community.

Because of their high visibility, members of the Bike Squad play a significant role in fostering and maintaining positive relationships between the police, town residents and local business owners. Officers on bicycles are easily approachable, highly mobile and have an extraordinary response time. Not limited by the constraints of paved roads or traffic, they have the capacity to arrive quickly at a troublesome situation or the scene of a crime in progress.

Bike Squad officers receive specialized training in biking techniques related to police work through the International Police Mountain Bike Association. Trained themselves as certified instructors, members of the West Hartford Unit operate a highly successful regional training center through which many of the state's bike squads receive their training.

When not on the road, Bike Squad officers often meet with neighborhood organizations to address their concerns and to advise them of the crime prevention methods most effective for their neighborhoods. Bike Squad officers are also involved in teaching bike safety in the community, and hold "safety rodeos" at local schools to show children the ins and outs of responsible biking.