Charleston K-9 unit impresses ROMEOs in morning demo

Seven police dogs from the City of Charleston K-9 Unit arrived early morning at the Daniel Island Club Thursday, Aug. 6, to show off their impressive detective and “bite and hold” skills during a demonstration for the Retired Old Men Eating Out group, also known as the ROMEOs. 

Officers from the K-9 unit first met with the members indoors and explained the type of training both the officer and dogs go through before hitting the field. Each K-9 handler is responsible for their dog both on and off the clock and are often paired with the animals that have similar personality traits: quiet, reserved, or, even, rambunctious. 

The police dogs are not considered pets and do not curl up on the couch or in a bed at the end of the night. Instead, these specially-trained canines, often referred to as policing "equipment," are housed outside in their own dog shelter to get rest before they return for duty. 

A number of breeds make for ideal K-9s, including German and Dutch shepherds, Belgian Malinois, basset hounds, and beagles. Police members during the demonstration teased that "we even would use Chihuahuas," as long as the dogs were expertly trained for detection or police patrolling. 

At the end of a K-9's career, each police handler has the opportunity to become the dog's official owner, where the animal will then be transitioned to a docile house pet.