The Leesburg Police Department Canine Unit consists of three handlers, two German shepherds, and one black lab. All are trained in narcotic detection, tracking, and evidence recovery. One of the German shepherds had additional training in building searches, area searches, criminal apprehension, and handler protection. Due to illness, the unit went without the full service canine for the last quarter of 2010.

Our Canine Unit generally trains locally mostly within the city; however, the unit does train occasionally with other departments as well. Some of those departments are the Lake County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit, the City of Eustis, and the City of Mount Dora K9 units. The lead instructor for the Leesburg Police Department is Senior Officer Kenneth Lane. Senior Officer Lane is a CJSTC certified K-9 Team Instructor. Training sessions include all aspects of the team's capabilities as well as “real world” scenarios to evaluate proficiency. During 2010, the unit conducted 577 hours of documented training.

For more information please contact Capt. Robert Hicks at 352-728-9860 ext.8237.