Title supplied by cataloger. The Los Angeles Police Department has used canines since 1980 in three of its divisions: Metropolitan Division, Narcotics Bureau and Bomb Squad. The primary breeds used are German shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Hollandaise herders, all of which are similar in appearance. A dog is paired with a handler as soon as it gets to the department, and is trained to obey commands given only by its handler. Initial training lasts 14 to 16 weeks, but can take as long as six months. Although LAPD dogs are trained to bark only when a suspect is found, they will chase and bite if the suspect attempts to flee or attacks an officer. Dogs are 'retired' at approximately the age of 8 years-old. (Information data found in Los Angeles Times article dated July 30, 1995) Photograph shows an unidentified policeman holding on to the leash of a police dog, as another suited man, who is standing farther back, looks on. The German shepherd appears to be growling at a trainer (not visible) who is wearing a protective 'bite sleeve' - a hard plastic covered in burlap, which is slipped on the trainer's arm. Photograph circa 1980.
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;36 x 29 cm. Photographic prints
Los Angeles (Calif.).--Police Department Animal trainers--California--Los Angeles Dogs--Training--California--Los Angeles Men--California--Los Angeles Police dogs--California--Los Angeles Police--California--Los Angeles Police--Uniforms German shepherd dog Herald-Examiner Collection photographs Portrait photographs Group portraits
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