Canine Unit

The Albany Police Department’s Canine Unit is part of the Special Operations Division, which is directed by Commander Aaron Flanger.  The Canine Unit is comprised of 5 Canine Teams and a Sergeant and is headquartered on the banks of the Normanskill Creek at the Stevens Farm.  The unit uses German Sheperds that are imported from Europe.  Currently, all the teams are duel purpose.  Canine Finn and his partner P.O. McCraith are certified in Patrol/Tracking and Explosive Detection.  Canine Stevens and his partner P.O. Nadoraski, Canine Fitzpatrick and his partner P.O. Dunn, Canine Mike and his partner P.O. Kisling, and Canine Flint and his partner Detective Dorn are all certified in Patrol/Tracking and Narcotics Detection.  All the canines live at the officer’s homes and are available for emergencies twenty-four hours a day.  Last year, the 5 Canine Teams were utilized over 800 times for various assignments.