In December of 2007, Officer Steve Rivera was chosen as the first Canine Handler for the City of Palm Desert. After conducting evaluation of several candidates, canine Van Snapp was chosen as our first Police Service Dog, also known as a K-9. Van Snapp is now a four year old Belgian Malinois who responds to commands in Dutch. Van Snapp was not only chosen for his demonstrated skills, but also picked for the sociable aspects he displayed.

The K-9 is used to conduct searches for missing or lost persons, to track criminal violators from crime scenes, to assist with fleeing or armed suspect arrests and in searches for evidence, including narcotics. K-9s are particularly useful in searches of buildings or residences for suspects, and to assist in vehicle and/or foot pursuits if immediately available. During these occasions, the K-9 can alleviate putting an officer in harms way, while making sure the violator is apprehended expeditiously. An ancillary duty, but very valuable one, is the benefit of using a K-9 unit as a public relations tool.

In March of 2009, Officer Rivera and Van Snapp went “back to school” for Narcotics Training. The training was to switch Van Snapp’s alert from “aggressive” to “passive.” The “alert” is the final indication from Van Snapp to indicate he has located the odor of narcotics. And then in September of 2009, Van Snapp assisted the Coachella Valley Narcotics Task Force with the execution of a narcotics search warrant served within the city of Palm Desert. Van Snapp alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from an air duct inside the garage. A search of the vents inside the house revealed approximately 2 lbs. of methamphetamine.

Van Snapp competed in the 14th Annual Riverside County Canine Trials in Temecula, California. The event was held over two days and included over 70 teams in Friday’s narcotics events, and 56 teams in Saturday’s patrol events. The canine team performed remarkably well placing second in Evidence, and third overall. The citizens of Palm Desert should be extremely proud of their Canine Team as they have not only been performing well conducting police duties in the field, but they have also become great ambassadors for the Palm Desert Police Department.