Sheriff-K9 Unit

The Mission of the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Canine Unit is to enhance the Department’s efforts in crime prevention with narcotic detection, locating lost individuals, and promoting a favorable image of the Sheriff’s Office.

• 365/24/7 availability
• Meet needs of citizens and law enforcement
• Continuous training and education
• Resource against dangerous drugs and locating lost indiviuals

18 deployments netted the following:

• Cocaine; 0.63 pounds
• Firearms; 13
• Marijuana; 10 pounds
• Meth; 82.81 grams
• One missing persons search

The Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office Canine (K-9) Unit is composed of a single team. K9 Piko and Handler Deputy Q. McClure are both dedicated and motivated in their daily duties. The K9 unit responds to regular calls as they patrol the communities of Rosebud County. When needed the K9 team will respond to assist local and outside agencies.

The Canine unit offers specialized resources to the sheriff’s office by utilizing an effective law enforcement tool, the police service dog. K9 Piko and Deputy McClure are certified in narcotic detection and tracking. K9 Piko is regularly utilized to assist in the detection of narcotics located inside vehicles or structures. The team is a valuable asset in the increasing fight against dangerous drugs that ravish our communities. The K9 unit is a great tool for building and establishing a better relationship with the community through education and demonstration of K9 Piko’s skillsets.

The relationship between the handlers and their canine partners is unparalleled in law enforcement. The handler and the canine prepare constantly for the rigors and inherent dangers of their job. As a result, a bond between the two is forged, equating to that of a best friend, a brother, or even that of their child. Not only do they work and train together, but they also live together and the canine becomes part of the handler’s immediate family. This relationship is the cornerstone of the unit’s success.

All K9 teams must be evaluated and certified by the North American police work dog association (NAPWDA) before they are deemed to be patrol ready. The teams re-certify annually to ensure that they have maintained the highest level of proficiency. The teams are mandated to certify annually and train monthly. The monthly trainings help to track the accuracy of the k9’s ability to detect narcotics and track odor to maintain the integrity of the K9’s abilities.
K9 Piko is a tremendous ambassador to our community and is often seen at public events through the county. Much like people, canines themselves have very individual personalities. Due to these different personalities, it is important to speak with the K9 handler before approaching their working dog. You should never approach or attempt to make contact without explicit knowledge and consent of the handler.

The K9 Piko was purchased through Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania. He was imported from a breeder in Europe. Police Service dogs are selected based on size, temperament, drive, willingness to work, and various other tests. They undergo vigorous training hours, Piko had 4 weeks (200 plus hours) of training at the Shallow Creek Kennels before being placed with his handler Deputy McClure.

If you have further questions about the K9 Unit, would like to request a community demonstrations, or are interested in possibly sponsoring the K9 team, please contact Deputy Q. McClure or Scott McDermott.