Federal and External Scrutiny of Canine Unit: When to prepare, what to expect, how to survive.. The Cincinnati Police Canine Squad, along with the rest of the department came under federal investigation and monitoring in 2001 following civil unrest. The Canine Squad survived, adapted, and overcame through preparation, diligence, knowledge gathered through many sources. The Department of Justice investigation and the following 5 years of scrutiny by a Federal Monitoring Team reporting to a Federal Judge provided first hand experience and knowledge on what such investigations look at, focus on, and demand. Unit trainers and administrators, as well as the handlers need to be prepared for "when" (not if), such scrutiny falls upon your unit, or a neighboring unit. Practical advice on how and what to prepare now so that should any external scrutiny fall upon your unit, the Canine Unit can survive and even thrive in its wake.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Joined and served in the United States Army as a Russian and German linguist and intelligence operator. Joined the Cincinnati Police Department in 1989. Selected for the CPD Canine Squad in 1996. Currently serving as a patrol canine handler, and the Cincinnati Police Canine Squad trainer as well as providing basic canine academy training and maintenance training for approximately 20 surrounding department K9 teams. Maintains certifications through USPCA, NAPWDA, and OPOTA. USPCA certified trainer, and K9 evaluator in all disciplines of canine work.