Exceeding Expectations
Canine Officer The Owatonna Police Department began its new canine program with a selection process involving several internal candidates. An officer was selected to attend the St. Paul Police Department’s twelve (12) week Police Canine Training Academy. The Department also outfitted a fully marked police car with specialized equipment designed specifically for canine patrol. The equipment included a modular roll bar cage and stainless steel containment system which replaced the entire rear seat of the police car. The temperature inside the vehicle is controlled by a thermostat and fans, and the rear windows are tinted to reduce sun exposure to the dog. The selected officer is allowed to use this squad as a “take home” vehicle. The squad and officer were outfitted with all of the necessary training aids and equipment required for a police canine including bite sleeves, leashes, toys, and grooming equipment.
On May 28, 2006, Officer Brandon Fandel and his canine partner, “Bullet”, graduated from the St. Paul Police Canine Training Facility. They completed an intense twelve (12) week training program. Officer Fandel and Bullet are trained to track criminals and people who are lost or missing. They are able to check buildings or homes for burglary suspects and they are trained to apprehend criminals who try to run or escape from officers. Bullet is also trained to defend and protect Officer Fandel if he is attacked or threatened by a suspect. In October of 2006, Officer Fandel and Bullet returned to the St. Paul Police Canine Training Facility for further instruction. The training concentrated on the many facets of narcotics enforcement, with specific emphasis on the effective use of a police canine. Bullet learned how to use his nose to detect and alert his handler of the presence of illegal narcotics, including Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Heroin. Officer Fandel learned how to interpret the alerts (signals) his canine partner gives him. They trained in buildings, homes, vehicles, and a variety of containers. Upon completion of this training program, Officer Fandel and Bullet were narcotics certified. Not only will Officer Fandel be able to use Bullet to find illegal drugs, he will be able to build criminal cases against suspects and testify in court, thus sending more bad guys to jail. Officer Fandel and Bullet are a special team for the Department and a great addition in the war against crime. The Owatonna Police Department has had fantastic support from our community and financial assistance from Cash Wise Grocery Store and Wal-Mart. Without public and private support, the canine program would not have gotten off the ground. Owatonna Police Department – 2006 Annual Report
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