The mission of the K-9 unit is to locate people and/or items at or near crime scenes, and to provide protection and/or backup for officers when possible and practical.

Generally, a K-9 team will be applied as a sophisticated tool to enhance the capabilities of Patrol or other units at a crime scene. The K-9 Unit is supportive to all units in the Department and the Tactical Response Team. The dogs are also used to assist the officers with the ongoing “War on Drugs”. The dogs are used to locate drugs inside vehicles and buildings.

The Dixon Police Department has one canine patrol unit.  Hery is a German Shepherd, and joined our agency in November of 2014 after completing twelve weeks of training at Shallow Creak Kennels in Pennsylvania.  Hery’s handler is Officer Ryan McWethy. 

Pet Supplies Plus in Dixon has generously donated dog food to the police department for the duration of the canines’ service.