5 Local K-9s Take Top Honors at Police Trials

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Department of Corrections team took first place at the 2011 U.S. Police Canine Association National Police Dog Trials.

"This team did an incredible job," said K-9 Officer Rick Jennings.

He said it shows the dogs are totally under control and with having dogs operate at that level, it ensures the safety of the staff and facilities.

Jennings works at the Lino Lakes Prison. He said the police dogs are a vital part of the operation.

"You can see the difference when the dogs show up. Inmates absolutely behave themselves, do exactly what we say," Jennings said.

They are careful to protect the dog's identity.

"We don't want them yelling out the dog's name walking through the yard, an everyday occurrence," said Officer Mike Langerman.

The police dogs do the work of many humans.

"We can move as many inmates as 20 staff." said Jennings.

The teams competed in six events: Obedience, suspect search, article search, agility, criminal apprehension and criminal apprehension with a gun.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Susie Jones Reports