It is an ongoing thing and we cover that basically with a log. We are computerized in the sense that we have a main computer that logs all the calls that we are the primary or the immediate backup for. We also have our own logs that we keep to put down all incidents in which we use the dog. At the end of each month we send forward this log and together with the computer entry's the administration can see that we still do patrol duties along with the canine related incidents. In St. Paul we handle calls just like the rest of the Patrol Division.
Canines can be a very big time saving tool.
Imagine how many officers it takes to search some of the bigger buildings in your city or town. There are several studies that have shown that the use of police service dogs in building searches has greatly decreased the time spent searching and the probability of finding a felon is greatly increased. The use of a police canine for narcotic's detection is one of the most popular uses of canines today. Whether you have a dual purpose canine or a single purpose dog. A single purpose dog is one just trained for narcotics, while a dual purpose is also trained for patrol work.