Programs

K-9 Program

Scarborough Police Department K-9 Unit

The Scarborough Police Department K-9 program was formed in 1982. The first team was comprised of Lt. William Zackular and the department's first police dog, Charlie. Scarborough Police now has two K-9 units, led by Sgt. Thomas Chard and Sgt. Andrew Flynn. Sgt. Chard works a Belgian Malinois named "Callie", trained in narcotics detection, tracking, evidence recovery, and patrol apprehension. Sgt. Flynn works at Black Labrador Retriever named "Tucker" trained in narcotics detection, tracking, evidence recovery, and search and rescue.

Each Scarborough Police Department K-9 is screened vigorously before being selected to be part of the K-9 unit. The K-9 is tested to make sure he/she is socially adaptable, has high drive and is healthy. This assures that the K-9 will endure the long and strenuous life of a police K-9. When final selection is made, the K-9 goes through rigorous training through Law Enforcement Dogs of Maine, a training group responsible for the training and certification of over 30 police K-9 teams in Southern and Central Maine. K-9 are trained under the guidelines set forth by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and the United States Police Canine Association.

U.S. Police Canine Association

Law Enforcement Dogs of Maine

See below to learn more about how Scarborough Police dogs are trained.

K-9 Training

K-9 Training

Tracking

The ability of the K-9 to search for lost persons or criminals.

Building Searches

The utilization of a K-9 to detect a criminal hiding inside a building with the reduced risk to the handler and officers.

Article searches

The ability of the K-9 to search for lost or discarded articles out in fields or woods. This saves considerable time and preserves evidence of a crime.

Obedience

The ability of the K-9 to be under voice and hand commands of the handler.

Agility

Assures that the K-9 will surmount obstacles out in the field. The dog is taught to climb ladders, go through tunnels and jump over obstacles.

Criminal Apprehension

The canine is used to apprehend fleeing criminals with the use of minimal force necessary (bite).

Handler Protection

The canine is taught to protect the handler in a physical situation and to come to the handler’s aid in that situation.

Narcotics Detection

The canine is certified to locate narcotic odor concealed in buildings and vehicles. The K-9 is certified to find 7 narcotic odors.

Motorcycle Program

The Motorcycle Unit of the Scarborough Police Department was formed in the spring of 1999. Since its inception the unit has grown from two officers and one motorcycle, to its current complement of six uniformed Patrol Officers a Sergeant and two motorcycles. Motorcycle Unit officers must successfully complete an eighty-hour intensive training program instructed by Harley Davidson through Northwestern University to participate in the program.

The department utilizes the Harley Davidson FLHTP Electra Glide Police model. Harley Davidson produces this motorcycle specifically for law enforcement as it lends itself equally to low speed maneuverability and high speed response. The motorcycle is outfitted with a 110-watt multi-channel radio, both forward and rear facing radar capable of same lane, stationary and moving radar enforcement and multiple emergency lights to ensure its visibility. Both units are also equipped with emergency first aid kits and lifesaving Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), one of which was donated by Piper Shores Retirement Community. The graphics are applied to complement our patrol cars and to enhance visibility during night time patrol as they are mostly reflective.

The Motorcycle Unit employs its services in many ways including traffic enforcement, neighborhood patrols and daily area patrols. The unit also participates in events such as road races, escorts and parades. The unit has been awarded Best in Show by the Harley Owners Group and other first place awards for show during competitions. The unit has also had the honor of leading President George W. Bush’s motorcade and assisting with security.

Honor Guard

The Scarborough Police Department Honor Guard was established to represent the Town of Scarborough as well as the Department at ceremonial events and to give comfort and support to fallen officer’s families. The unit primarily serves during parades, funerals and other formal events.

The members of the unit are trained in drill and ceremony and have represented the Town during many official events both in Maine and out of the state.

Special Reaction Team

The Scarborough Police Department Special Reaction Team was formed to support the Department with any high risk operations that require special skills that are not in the scope of normal patrol or investigative functions. These operations include high risk search warrants, felony arrest warrants, barricaded subjects, and hostage incidents. The team consists of eight Officers and two medical support Officers. All members are trained in the use of specialized weapons, chemical agents, and distraction devices. Members must also pass a rigorous physical training test biannually to maintain their status on the team.

The goal of the Scarborough Police Department Special Reaction Team, when deployed, is to use training, tactics, and equipment to bring the situation under control using the least amount of force possible.

D.A.R.E.

Scarborough participates in the D.A.R.E. program, a collaborative effort between the Scarborough Police and Scarborough Schools, which teaches students good decision-making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives. Topics covered include drinking, drugs, and bullying. For more information on the program, click the link below to visit the national D.A.R.E. web site.

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