The Austin Police Department has two Belgian Malinois police dogs that are dual purpose certified through the United States Police Canine Association.  Primary duties of the K9 unit are narcotics detection, tracking/searching for criminal suspects or lost persons, evidence and building searches, and criminal apprehension/officer protection.

The key to maintaining a successful K9 program is training.  Austin’s K9 program is blessed by excellent support from other police officers who are willing to play the “bad guy” so the dogs can effectively catch real bad guys.

One area in which K9s are extremely useful is as a psychological deterrent.  Often the sight and sound of a well-trained K9 on scene is enough to prevent offenders from resisting arrest and can cause hiding suspects to surrender peacefully once a warning is issued that the K9 is coming.

Officer Eric Blust and his canine partner Bosco work the afternoon shift.  Lt. Matt Holten and his canine partner Ghost work the night shift.  They are members of the United States Police Canine Association and certify on an annual basis