And to add to what Chris and Ed posted, unless you've been in that position, you just don't know how you will act or what you will do until you have actually been through it before, regardless of your training. Even fellow officers that have the training balk sometimes when the SHTF.

MMQBing what cops did or didn't do in most situations, however, seems to be the "in" thing to do over the 'Net. Especially from people who have never worn a badge. Frankly, I just ignore what they say.

Scott stated;

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MMQBing what cops did or didn't do in most situations, however, seems to be the "in" thing to do over the 'Net. Especially from people who have never worn a badge. Frankly, I just ignore what they say.

Scott , you are absolutly right . I should have listened to that little voice telling me to let it go . It's just tough when you see officers go thru tramatic incidents and what this type of criticism does to them . I'm just too hard headed to realize I can't convince these type of people they are wrong .

With that said , I send my condolences to Ranger's handler and family .

I am just curious if the dogs wear protection vests or if anyone knows if Ranger was wearing a vest? Do they have offical services for police dogs?

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...Scott , you are absolutly right . I should have listened to that little voice telling me to let it go...

Not meant for you, Jim. I have my opinions of how the incident was handled from a tactical standpoint (from the little info provided) as well. I was referring to those who have never BTDT.

Best regards.

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I am just curious if the dogs wear protection vests or if anyone knows if Ranger was wearing a vest? Do they have offical services for police dogs?

Julia…. Body armor for police dogs is a hotly contested issue at times. I have one for my dog, it was a donated gift to the unit… but if the poo hits the fan and an officer needs to get 100% out of his dog.. the vest stays in the trunk. It hinders performance and can be more of a danger than a help under certain circumstances.

As far as police dog funerals go…. Yes, we have them and I have yet to see a dry eye at one. Generally handlers and their dogs come from all over to pay their respects as only another handler can truly understand the loss.

One of the best examples of a Police K9 Funeral was that of LVMPD’s “Buddy”. Here are some photos from his funeral to give you an idea of what they are like.

Buddy's Funeral

PTLM Grubb

Got a tissue? It has to be the most incredible mixed bag of feelings… good and bad… when a dog gives his life for his partner.

Do you find most units have vests or are there more units without them do to funding issues that would otherwise appreciate having one?

How much does a vest go for?

“Police ask that donations in Ranger's name be sent to the Long Beach K-9 Officers Association, P.O. Box 17366, Long Beach 90807.”

Here is my experience with body armor.

K-9 body armor is not the great thing that it is made out to be by the school children/groups that have fundraisers to buy it (and the media that puts it on the front page).

The fact is that it is usually bulky, uncomfortable, hot and a problem for most dogs (who don't understand that it could save their life). Most don't like it, though many get used to it, and it is usually more of a problem than it is worth.

It also puts the dog at a tactical disadvantage in many cases. It gives the bad guy something to grab onto, it runs the risk of getting snagged on something while the dog is off-lead searching, and it limits the dogs mobility. Finally, as with human cops, it only protects certain parts of the body. Most dogs are killed with shots/stabbed to the head area, which is NOT protected.

Fact is, most dogs have body armor. It costs about $1000. It has become a "pet" project for many, many schools and organizations to "...help the police dogs...", etc. Most handlers/departments accept it with a smile on their face and a few pics with the kiddies in the paper. But in the real world, the vest stays in the trunk 99% of the time.

1. Because it really doesn't work.
2. Most handlers won't send their dog on a suicide mission against someone that is known to be armed. That's what SWAT is for (not referring to this particular incident, just in general).

Your mileage may vary.

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how about unless you know anything about tactics and have been trained in such and have been in shoot don't shoot tactical scenarios, then you really don't have a basis for an opinion. Unless I have tried Pepsi, how the heck can I have an opinion on it.

Relax , It's a public forum. It's just an opinion. This isn't a forum restricted to Police officers.
An opinion on how pepsi tastes when never tried, is more like comparing what it's like to be bit when you never have been. Taste is a sense/sensation.

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Relax , It's a public forum. It's just an opinion.

Your absolutely right, so when I need your opinion on how to best deploy my guys to take two floors simutaneously I'll be sure to PM you for your opinion, because I'm sure you would have fruitful opinions to offer on the subject right? (It's hypothetical don't really answer that <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Well, I guess I'll apply for a spot to write a column now in the New England Journal of Medicine even though I have no medical training, I mean my opinion has to mean something. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Having a discussion, and instructing/teaching in a foreign, unfamiliar field is two different things.

Like I said Relax Ace <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />