The Belmont Police Department Canine Unit currently has one team. The dog is purebred German Shepherds that have been imported from Germany. All dogs used by the Belmont Police Department go through a battery of tests and hundreds of hours of training before being certified for use in our patrol division. The dogs and handlers also participate in intensive on-going training to maintain and enhance the teams’ skills.

Handlers typically deploy their canine partners in situations where a violent suspect is fleeing from police, or in cases where officers believe a suspect may be hiding inside a building or home. The dogs’ speed, agility, and heightened sense of smell make them a powerful tool in apprehending dangerous criminals.

The Belmont Police Department Canine Unit is supported by public donations and is available for demonstrations. Please contact Lt. Kevin Daley 650-595-7400.