The Midland Police Department started the Canine Section in 1965 with two attack dogs. The unit was disbanded in 1970 and formed again in 1972 with the Schutzhund trained dogs which are currently used.
All canines live with their handlers and stay at the handlers' homes when off duty.
Adlerhorst goes to Germany and hand selects dogs and brings them into the U.S. and a member of the Canine Section travels to California and pick out the new Canine. When the Canine Section receives a new canine from Germany he has his basic training in tracking, obedience and protection, and a Schutzhund 1 title. Once the dog is in Midland, his training is expanded to include street problems and Narcotic Detection in-house. Canine Officers train 14 hours per month with their canine and must pass quarterly certifications. Canine officers work seven hour work days.