The Elk Grove Police K-9 team is a specialized unit that uses canines as a tool to assist police operations. The unit was formed in 2006, at the same time as the inception of our police department. Our department is a new department with experienced personnel. Most of our officers have prior experience with other law enforcement agencies. We have six canines that work patrol operations and one canine that is solely assigned to the narcotics unit. All shifts have K-9 coverage which provides the city with 24 hour canine operations. The K-9 team is managed by a police lieutenant and a full time supervisor is assigned to the unit.

All of our handlers have extensive experience in K9 operations. Most were previous handlers at other agencies before they become members of the Elk Grove Police Department. We take pride in our unit and work very hard to be leaders in our K-9 community. We have been recognized throughout California for having premier canines that score high ratings in police trials. Our community appreciates and enjoys the interactions with the canines. We provide several public demonstrations yearly and attend numerous school and nonprofit events. Our unit hosts an annual training exercise for K-9 handlers all across Northern California.

We have our own K-9 trainers that are also handlers. Our trainers are experts in the field of K-9 operations. They are members of Western States Police K9 Association and they work closely with California P.O.S.T. to provide input on future state requirements for K-9 operations.