(KENORA, ON) – The Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is pleased to announce that Kenora Detachment is the home of the newest K9 team in the Northwest Region. Provincial Constable Jeff Poperechny and his K9 partner Jax are now on patrol in the Kenora and providing service to the region.
P/C Poperechny joined the Kenora Police Service in May of 2002 and transitioned to the OPP in 2009. Jax is a 2 year old German Shepherd general service dog.
A general service dog’s duties include, searching for lost/wanted/missing people, drug and weapons detection, as well as participating in community service work and public demonstrations.
The OPP Canine teams undergo 16 weeks of intensive training at the OPP Academy Canine Training Centre in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Careful consideration is given to the selection of both dog and handler. German Shepherds are chosen for general service duties at approximately 18-24 months old.
OPP canine handlers have a minimum three years of policing experience, possess a high degree of self-discipline and patience, a favorable attitude towards animals and they must be in top physical condition. OPP canine teams are on call 24 hours a day for assignments anywhere in Ontario.
You can expect to see P/C Poperechny and Jax conducting training exercises and on general patrol throughout the community.
For more information regarding the Canine Unit, visit opp.ca