2021 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 15
HPD USE OF K-9 UNITS
The Hartford Police K-9 Unit is currently made up of twelve dogs. Six patrol German Shepherds, which are trained in tracking, building searches,
evidence recovery, and criminal apprehension. The other six are Labrador
Retrievers trained in the detection of various substances. HPD currently has
two narcotic detection K-9s, two bomb detection K-9s, one 昀椀rearm detection K-9, and one arson accelerant detection K-9. In 2021, Patrol K-9s accounted for locating the suspects in 15 stolen motor vehicle investigations,
suspects in 20 felony arrests, 5 missing persons, and recovering 6 昀椀rearms
during evidence searches.
The six Labrador Retrievers mainly provide assistance to the Investigative
Services Bureau and other specialized Hartford Police Divisions. In 2021
these K-9s were utilized in 59 searches leading to the recovery of 6 昀椀rearms
and other 昀椀rearms-related evidence. Bomb detection K-9 teams conducted
29 protective sweeps at special events, including the Hartford Marathon,
the Travelers Golf Tournament, and numerous events at the XL Center and
X昀椀nity Theater. These K-9s were also used to conduct protective sweeps
during various bomb threat-related calls for service throughout the year.
K-9 Samson, trained in arson/accelerant detection, assisted in 45 arson investigations ranging from structure 昀椀res to vehicle arson, and located numerous articles of evidence in these cases. K-9 Connor, trained in narcotics
detection, was responsible for several large-scale narcotics seizures, including 7 kilograms of cocaine and 2 kilograms of fentanyl/heroin.
HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 15