Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Fascinating History of K-9
Dogs have been used in various capacities for centuries, including hunting, guarding, and herding. However, their role in law enforcement is a relatively modern development. In the early days, dogs were used primarily for their sense of smell to track down criminals. Over time, they became more effective in apprehending suspects, and the K-9 unit was born. The origins of this unit and the name K-9 are fascinating and provide insight into the evolution of modern law enforcement.
The Early Days: The First Use of Dogs in Law Enforcement
Dogs have been used for law enforcement purposes since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, they were used by European armies to guard prisoners and protect their camps. In the 18th century, English gamekeepers used dogs to track poachers. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the police began to use them in earnest. The first police dog was a bloodhound named "Bobby" who was used by the Glasgow Police in Scotland in 1859. From that point on, dogs were used to track suspects, discover hidden contraband, and locate missing persons.