TPD started its Canine Unit in the early 1970s with two dual-purpose dogs. Today, TPD has five canines each with a full-time handler. A handler and his canine are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to assist patrol or other specialty units should the need arise. All canines are assigned to the patrol division.
The unit consists of highly trained personnel with specific skills in marksmanship, tactical response and containment, deployment of chemical munitions, less lethal munitions and explosive breaching. The unit has been utilized for high-risk warrant service, barricaded suspects, hostage situations, search and rescue and VIP security.
The Tuscaloosa Police Department’s Patrol Division is the largest division within the Police Department. The Patrol Division currently works from four locations: Headquarters, West Precinct, East Precinct, and Downtown Precinct. Headquarters is the administrative center for the Patrol Division. Headquarters is the base of operation for the Patrol Commander, Field Training Officer Program and K9 officers.
