To scoff, or not to scoff, that is NOT the question (with all due apologies to dear ol' Willy) -- The question is, "If criminals have both guns AND teeth, don't they have an unfortunate advantage over Bobbies & their PSD" ???

I have a related but somewhat differently-aligned opinion (as usual <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />.

That IS a video that made me laugh.

But this thread was about the problems with PSD training. Beyond laughing at the video, I'm 100% uncomfortable critiquing any LEO procedures or news reports because I just can't know the story behind it, whether it's here or in GB.

I was trying to find details about a long and complex LEO shooting situation once, and that led me to the published news reports from about six different newspapers, plus two TV items. They were all different.

I suppose it was possible that one of them had it right...... maybe ..... but that still meant that at least five had it wrong.

Risky business to assume that a news story has the facts (and ALL the facts) right........... especially when it comes to stories about law enforcement. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Not at all trying to criticize anyone...... just reminding myself and others that we (the public) never get the whole truth in these matters. The truth is presented to and researched by and decided on by people we elect to make those calls.

I laughed at the incompetence, but then I thought, Oh my lord, WHO is training and certifying these poor buggers? Eek

One has to wonder whether the dog in the clip was actually a police dog at all <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Its behaviour suggested to me that it might just be a 'loose' GSD which thought it would be fun to play with these running humans!

But never let the facts get in the way of an entertaining story/video, eh? <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Maybe the dog is only trained as a detection dog or something like that, or maybe it's the criminals dog, lol,

AL

I am always amazed how out of shape some (not all), k9 dog handlers are, (states included).How can any one so out of shape keep up with any k9 on a pursuit, yes that is why we use K9 but still get in soemkinda of shape to be able to run some distance with your K9.That handler looked pathetic and his dog well, can you blame him, his own handler couldn't even apprehend the criminal running at a low speed!
Unfortunely, with so many law suits and not enough funds, it stops many agencies from getting top dogs.They settle with dogs that can do half of the job. It' sad but you see that scenario often.

If that was the only reason for the police chief's dismissal, it is a disgrace, but I suspect there may have been more to it than meets the eye.
This letter and the reaction might just have been the last straw which gave an excuse to get rid of 'a thorn in the flesh' of the police authority <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Whatever.. there are certainly LEOs wherever you go who need to shape-up in order to be able to do their jobs more effectively.
(And I could do with losing a few pounds myself... but I hope not to have to chase criminals!!)

One problem LEOs have to deal with is all the 'stuff' they have to carry wherever they go.... flak-jackets, nightsticks, firearms, mace sprays, handcuffs, radios, etc, etc

My SiL is very fit but he said he'd chased and lost a young 'perp' the other day, mainly because the lad was unencumbered and in trainers <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
I said that he should've had a dog with him, to do his running <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> (His reply was unprintable!)

I agree with Roger - there is more to this story. With that said I also agree with the others. This officer was out of shape and in my opinions K9 handlers should be held to a higher physical standard. They have to be able to run.

The RCMP in Canada set the standard as far as I am concerns. RCMP K9 handlers have to come back to Innesvale Alberta on a scheduled basis and pass a PT test. I used to know the exact test but cant remember specifics at the moment - other than to say it was a bitch. If they failed the test they were sent home without their dog. They got a chance to redo the test but if they didn't they were out of K9.

In my opinion it's a mistake for departments not to do the same.