Police Canine Program

Police Canine Bobby and handler Officer Christina Mazzoccoli
Officer Mazzoccoli was appointed in the summer of 2008 to succeed Agt. Buonanducci as South Windsor's canine handler.  A new canine, Bobby, was purchased in late July 2008.  The team completed the Connecticut State Police Canine Training Academy starting in December 2008.  Bobby was purchased with funds generously donated to the police department from citizens and members of South Windsor's business community.

Team History
The South Windsor Police Services Canine Unit (K-9) unit is an enhanced support function of the Patrol Services. The Canine Unit is comprised of specially trained police dogs and their police officer handlers. Their primary civic protection functions are to respond to alarm and prowler calls, conduct building and article searches, assist drug units with narcotic detection and the tracking of suspects. The canines utilize their indispensable abilities of smell, sight, speed, and agility in the performance of these functions. The use of canines is imperative in the fight against crime and provides protection for officers and the community. When K-9 officers are not responding to calls, they patrol the business and residential areas of the town in an effort to deter and detect crime.

Before an officer is chosen to be a canine handler, the officer goes through a testing process. The officer must show a unique dedication toward the department and canine unit. The handler must have accommodations at home for the new partner, which are German Shepherds.

After the new canine officer is chosen, the handler is paired up with the new animal partner. The dogs, which are imported from Europe, and the handler go through a sixteen week initial training session with the Connecticut State Police. Bonding between the officer and the canine is very important during this time. In order to solidify this bonding, training between the handler and the canine is ongoing throughout the partnership of the canine team. When the officer is not working, the canine stays at home with the officer and his or her family. Retired dogs normally live with handlers for the rest of their lives.