"Fidelis Custos"

The Allentown Police Department's K-9 Unit will support patrol and investigate functions and enhance officer and citizen safety. Because of their superior senses of smell, hearing and physical capabilities, the trained Police Service Dog (PSD) is a valuable supplement to Police manpower. 

CANINE (K-9): 

A trained PSD which has been procured and specifically trained to execute a number of specific tasks which make use of canine speed, agility, and sense of smell. The Department will use dogs classified as "trained police canine."

CANINE OFFICER:

An officer specifically trained in the care, handling, and training of a dog for law enforcement use.  All of Allentown Police Department's Canine Officers and K-9 are certified through a nationally recognized organization.

SINGLE-PURPOSE/DUAL-PURPOSE K9:

Single-purpose:    A PSD that is specifically trained in one specific discipline of canine work.  For example, explosives/narcotics/cadaver detection.
Dual-purpose:       A PSD that is specifically trained in both the detection discipline as well as Patrol related activities (tracking, apprehension, article search, etc.)