The mission of the Vermont Police Canine Program is to develop Police Canine teams that are useful and effective tools for their respective Police agencies. The program provides basic, in-service, and advanced level courses which are certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC).
The Program is also available, on a case-by-case basis, to assist the VT Department of Public Safety (DPS) as a resource for training and certification of SAR K9 teams and other specialties as needed.
All training provided is based upon practical, realistic, field-related circumstances. Performance is monitored through formal training sessions and field observation sessions to ensure that remedial training is available when needed.
The expertise of the instructional staff is available to all law enforcement agencies interested in developing or improving a canine program.
The canine certification standards will define the initial training, records keeping, in-service training and yearly recertification as they relate to field certification tests and written exams for K-9 Team certification.
This document represents the minimum requirements needed to meet Vermont Police Canine Program standards. This does not preclude participating agencies from applying more stringent requirements or receiving additional training.
Canine Drug Detection School
Date and time: November 4, 2024 – December 20, 2024
Location: Vermont Police Academy 317 Academy Rd. Pittsford, VT 05763
Tuition Commuter: $2,189
Tuition Overnight: $3,081
Prerequisites:
- If you are planning on having a multipurpose canine Patrol school is a pre-requisite.
- Canine handler must be a certified law enforcement officer with a minimum of (3) three years of law enforcement experience before entering the canine program. Prior experience as a military working dog Handler may be taken into consideration.
- Canine evaluations will occur prior to acceptance into the program. Canine evaluations will take place weekdays at the Vermont Police Academy. Registration is not required but please notify Lindsay Thivierge (lindsay.thivierge@vermont.gov) in advance regarding which date you plan on coming to the Academy to make sure the head trainer is available.
- If you intend on attending the Canine Drug Detection School and do not yet have a canine the head trainer is available to assist in acquiring and screening dogs. Please contact Lindsay Thivierge (Lindsay.thivierge@vermont.gov) for coordination.
- Handlers are required to meet a minimum physical fitness assessment to be determined by the Head Trainer.
- It is highly recommended that police administrators use the Canine Committee to conduct interviews for departments who have the desire to identify potential handlers for the requirement.
- By application and acceptance into the Vermont Police Canine Program, it is understood that Handlers will conduct themselves by the Standard of Conduct as defined by Police Professionals who undergo Basic Training at the Vermont Police Academy.
Contact the Vermont Police Academy for more information at 802.483.6228
VCJC K9 Program Physical Fitness Assessment
Handler or Handler candidate will be required to wear uniform/tactical pants (individual preference), boots; and duty belt with body armor or carry a 25-30 pound backpack supplied by the handler.
The exercise shall consist of an approximate 1.5 mile course around the Academy property. The pace should be brisk, taking safety into consideration, but running is not permitted. The course will include maneuvering around downed trees, a water crossing, a hill, and other agility like obstacles.
The course will be completed by the handler with his/her dog. Teams will be spaced to minimize occasions where a team will pass another team. The course will be marked.
The exercise is not timed, but all obstacles shall be completed. Dropping the dog is not permitted.
Handlers may bring whatever gear they feel is appropriate and may include water or other items in their tracking pack.
