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WATCH: 2021 Space Coast Police K-9 Competition Set For Oct. 17 at Space Coast Stadium

By  //  March 19, 2021

teams will navigate an obstacle course designed to test their skills and abilities

WATCH: Cocoa Police K-9 Officer Dan Rhoades talks about K-9 Bear’s journey to becoming America’s Top Dog.

For more than 20 years, Cocoa police officers and staff have been dedicated to investing in the community

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Cocoa Police Department will present the 2021 Space Coast Police K9 Competition on Sunday, October 17 at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.

Military and police K9 teams will take the field starting at 1 p.m. starting at 4 p.m.

The teams will navigate an obstacle course designed to test their skills and abilities and how well they work with their handlers. The event’s main sponsors are the Brevard Kennel Club and Atlantic Development of Cocoa.

The competition will offer a rare opportunity for the public to see police canine teams in action as they navigate obstacles that simulate a variety of disciplines including scent detection, hurdles, jumping through windows, tunnels, and more.

The teams will also compete in a “Hard Dog and Fast Dog” competition, which will test the dog’s speed and apprehension skills.

“What we are hoping to do is showcase the exceptional skills, incredible discipline and the unique bonds these dogs and their handlers have that many citizens would never get a chance to otherwise see,” said Officer Chris Hattaway who is coordinating the event. (CPD image)

“What we are hoping to do is showcase the exceptional skills, incredible discipline and the unique bonds these dogs and their handlers have that many citizens would never get a chance to otherwise see,” said Officer Chris Hattaway who is coordinating the event.

“The event is free for the public to come to watch. It’s going to be a fun time and we hope everyone comes out to see us.”

K9 teams receive the most amount of training of all the disciplines in police patrol work.

The basic patrol canine school is 480 hours. This is where the teams learn obedience control, apprehension work and suspect search skills. The canine team may also receive an additional 160 hours, at minimum, for detection training.

This is where the dog is trained to identify and locate the odors of illegal drugs, explosive and/or cadavers.

To learn more about the event CLICK HERE.

The Cocoa Police Department will present the 2021 Space Coast Police K9 Competition on Sunday, October 17 at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
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