The Virginia Police Canine Association is a law enforcement group that trains police canines and handlers for member law enforcement agencies. Police canine teams can be certified in narcotics detection, explosives detection, cadavar detection, search and rescue, wildlife detection, and Patrol/Utility. Patrol/Utility canine teams are certified in criminal apprehension, tracking, article recovery, building and area searches, and crowd control. Member agencies consist of Police Departments and Sheriff's Offices all across northern and central Virginia, and federal or nationwide law enforcement agencies are welcome.

      All K9 Teams undergo Certification Testing annually, in accordance with the VPCA's established Certifications guidelines. In order to be deemed 'Certified' through VPCA, K9 Teams must prove their proficiency in 16 areas in which the K9 Team will function in real life situations. Certification tests and weekly K9 training sessions are conducted using scenario-based evolutions that are consistent with real-life performance. VPCA minimizes the amount of pattern-based training sessions, and focuses on actions in training being performed as they would be in real-life incidents.

      Along with practical hands-on scenario-based training sessions, VPCA strives to ensure that its members are proficient in the courtroom as well as on the streets. Periodic Legal Update courses and court-related training sessions are conducted to enhance the K9 Handler's courtroom testimony and preparation of court documentation. Peer Reviews, report writing conferences, and case-management sessions are also conducted throughout the year to maintain the high level of professionalism demanded of Police K9 Teams. Case Law studies and Moot Court scenarios are also conducted to keep K9 Handlers, Supervisors, and local judicial officials apprised of changes in case law and of strategies when prosecuting K9 cases.

VPCA GOALS & OBJECTIVES

• To improve the image of the working police canines to the general public through improved public service in the prevention and detection of crime.
• To continually train and improve the services of the canine as an aid in the prevention and detection of crime.
• To strive to educate the general public of the abilities of working police canines through demonstrations and public events.
• To endeavor to establish the highest standard of training, and to certify the abilities of the canine in police work.
• To coordinate peer reviews and the exchange of ideas for advanced training techniques utilizing police canines.
• To endeavor to maintain high levels of knowledge of US and Virginia case law relating to police canines.
• To assist law enforcement agencies in establishing and maintaining the highest standards for the canine sections of their respective departments.

VPCA NEWS SPOTLIGHT
Visit the VPCA News page for more information.

K9 Tactics School
Dates: Nov 8-12, 2010
Location: Pro K9 Services Training Center
- Read more details.

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2010 IRON DOG COMPETITION

     2010 IRON DOG was held at Great Meadows in The Plains, Virginia on May 19th this year. Over 30 teams entered the competition from jurisdictions across Virginia and Maryland. This year had several military teams participate as well.

Past IRON DOG Winners

• 2010 IRON DOG Awards
  
• 2009 IRON DOG Awards
• 2008 IRON DOG Awards

Visit our 2010 IRON DOG Sponsors.

 

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Thin Blue Line Paracord Bracelets

Buy A Survival Bracelet - Help A VPCA K9 Get A Ballistic Vest!      ThinBlueLineParacordBraclet.Com has partnered with the Virginia Police Canine Association to help protect our Working Dogs. Many Police K9's do not have bullet-proof vests due to budgetary crisises and cut-backs. While these Police K9's are not aware of the dangers they face while faithfully serving the Community they work in, we are well aware of the dangers they face.      ThinBlueLineParacordBraclet.Com has promised to donate a portion of each sale of these beautiful military-style survival bracelets to purchase a ballistic vest for one of the K9's who belong to the VPCA. While these vests are expensive, you can help our cause and get a beautiful bracelet out of the deal. These bracelets come in a wide variety of color combinations, and you can even custom order your own colors - for a sports team, college, or any other reason.

Please visit ThinBlueLineParacordBraclet.Com and see what they can make for you, and help protect our Police K9's on the streets!