The High Springs Police Department K-9 unit was formally established in 2009.
Each team within the K-9 Unit completes an annual certification that is mandated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Along with detection training, the teams are also training weekly in human tracking, article and building searches, criminal apprehension, and handler protection. The K-9 teams work alongside the Patrol Officers daily while providing assistance with the needs and requests of the other specialty units within the Agency.
The mission of the K-9 Unit is to support all Law Enforcement Activities and the Community of High Springs and surrounding Communities, as requested. This support is a force multiplier that assists in the apprehension of fleeing criminals, warrant searches, building, and area searches, search and rescue, pursuits, illegal drug eradication, bomb searches, along assisting Patrol Officers with in-progress calls for service. Aside from their Law Enforcement duties, the K-9 teams visit schools, Churches, and businesses to give demonstrations of their canine’s abilities and to educate and give the public a better understanding of what the team is utilized for.