Does anyone out there have a a good set up about how to transport a K9, THEN be able to convert it on the side of the road to haul prisoners? I work for a very small department, and we are not very fancy. I patrol by myself (with my dog), and I will often have to carry a prisoner to jail... I have tried a board with carpet that is hinged on the partition, but that cuts down what little room there is in the back of the patrol car... Does anyone have any suggestions (other than going to a bigger department) ?

I think American Alum. and Havis Shield both make a transport container that gives the dog about 3/4 of the rear of the vehicle, and a place for transporting a subject. You might try looking at both of those vendors.

DFrost

(tongue in cheek <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ) - Why use a divider at all?? Your perp will be a perfect gentleman with the dog riding next to him <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If you can do it, how about dividing the front seat by the same sort of divider that is used for the back seat? The dog could ride in the back, when you don't have someone in custody. When you do have to transport someone, the dog could ride in the front separated from the radio, equipment, you, and the prisoner. Assuming that you use a heavy duty wire -type divider, you would still be able to see the dog, and have verbal control. Also the dog would not have to stay for long in this smaller area, as you would be immediately taking the prisoner to his destination. Besides, God forbid, the Crown Vic would catch fire from a rear end collision, as they are wont to do, the prisoner would get it first, possibly ensuring a small wimdow of opportunity for the safety of you and your dog! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My dog is cool about riding in the front seat... What Im curious about, is do most low budget K9 teams (like me) just have their dog ride on the leatherette back seat, or do they have some sort of board platform on top of the seat? My dog rides pretty well just laying on the seat, and we have "moved on down the road" at a pretty fair clip, and he is cool with that... Ive just been trying to come up with a good low budget solution so that he has a comfortable place to lay down or sit, AND some way to transport people too... Good people ride up front, bad people ride in the back. Now that I say that, I guess I COULD just transport people up front (although Id like it better if they were in the back)

Jeff;

A mich state police trooper friend of mine has a jeep cherokee for a patrol vehicle. He has an oversize kennel carrier that he puts the dog in. In works well for him and the dog seems to handle that pretty well. In that way you wouldn't need a seperate divider for the back seat, just have the door for the kennel facing the side door. It works for my friend but IMHO I think thats a little cramped for the dog but they ship them like that on the airplanes and such o.k.

I'd worry about transporting a prisoner with the dog in the patrol car.
If the dog had any potential for contact with the perp thru a wire mesh or the like, all it'd take is one smart perp to lean over, spook the dog and end up taking a minor wound *while restrained and in custody* - instant civil lawsuit. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Most departments would like to avoid that, I think.

The divided rear cage does not allow a properly restrained prisoner access to the dog. I'm not concerned at all about crowding the prisoner. Placing the prisoner in the front seat is just not an option.

DFrost

Jeff,

The front seat is really not all that safe for a dog. What we do for most of our road Troopers and their dogs is, we make a platform that replaces the seat and rear cushion, cover it in a thick rubber. That gives the dog great footing and all the room he needs. We purchase screens for the rear windows and metal door panels from Ray Allen, install a heat alarm system that rolls down the windows and the unit is ready for the road. With over 40 dogs on the road, I save money when I can. For those dogs that are bent on destroying the inside of the vehicle, I buy a full containment system. It works fine.

DFrost

Jeff,
First of all, do have a single or dual purpose dog and how much money is low budget???

If you have a single purpose dog only, the pet kennel in the back seat is a cheap easy idea. If you have a dual purpose, I would think you would want to make your dog more available if needed.

I know your problem being with a small agency. I handle a dual purpose, have the back area converted for the dog. Unfortunately I have to transport the bad guy in the front seat. They are always shackled plus the seat belt - I use a nylon foot restraint belt that shuts in the car door, so while it is shut there feet are secure - however if I have to get them out for an emergency reason - by opening the door, their feet are freed.

Try fund-raisers for a proper containment system - I have a local factory that makes stainless items - they make stuff for me at cost of the material. A lot of your local people will make the items for you, if you just ask.

The way i transport is not the best -- BUT it is the best that I have to contend with, plus nobody likes my dog sitting behind their head, when they are in the front seat, breathing down the back of their neck. Mine will growl on command to make a believer, when needed.