K-9 Teams

Police dogs have been helping law enforcement officers for over half a century. These animals provide assistance that cannot be matched by man or machine. The canine's sense of smell is the most important tool used by these animals. Some experts say that a canine can smell a million times better than a human. These animals can detect things that a human would never know existed.

The Rialto Police Department began using police dogs in January 1982. The K9 program began with two K9 teams and today has four teams serving the community. Since 1982 the police department has had 21 police dogs. These dogs have served the City of Rialto well and were responsible for saving lives and protecting property.

The current handlers and their partners are: Ofc Fred Poching and Casper, Ofc Joe Maltese and Mike, Ofc Steve Daniels and Ajax (pronounced I-ax), and Ofc Charles Compton and Robbie. Rialto is fortunate to have 2 K9 teams staggered on duty from 2:30 pm to 4 am the next morning, seven days a week. When not using their skills, teams are assigned to patrol and answer all types of calls for service.

The Rialto Police Department K9 Unit and members of the Inland Empire K9 Association spent time at the City of Hope Cancer Research Center.

All of our dogs have been imported from Europe. Each dog costs approximately $6000. Training costs will add several thousand additional dollars. All dogs selected to be police dogs have had an extensive training starting at a very early age in their country of origin. They were trained in the language of that country, which is also the language used for commands by the handler. Dog selected by Rialto are sociable as well as having the necessary drives and courage to perform police work.

Click here to view a brochure in .pdf format that contains more detail about Rialto Police Department's K9 Teams.