Canine Program

The METRO Police Department Canine Program assists with narcotics detection, explosive detection and criminal apprehension throughout the Houston region. The Canine Program was established in 1998 with a single narcotics canine. In the first few weeks, Boris seized 800 pounds of marijuana, paving the way for the next canine units. In 2002, the Department welcomed Demon and Brix to its canine operations, specifically for explosives detection. In 2005, six more canines were added to the police department. Currently, Roxy, Missy, Vigo, Lobo and Rock are explosives detection canines. Shadow and Rudy are trained to detect narcotics. Several of the canines are cross-trained in patrol to track and apprehend fleeing suspects, and the METRO Police Department makes the teams' services available to many agencies across the Houston region.

METRO Police Explosive Canines have assisted in searching events such as the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo, the NFL Super Bowl, and the NBA All-Star Game. In the past years, METRO K-9 teams have won several competitions at the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association's Regional Seminar for explosives detection and for patrol. Congrats to all these fine canines and their handlers!

For more information on the METRO Police Department’s canine unit please contact Sgt. Mike Riggs at 713-615-6386.