K-9 forces unite Published Oct. 4, 2012 By Kiley Swopes Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT, N.D. -- The 5th Security Forces Squadron's Military Working Dog Unit has been steadily working alongside local law enforcement K-9 units to provide maximum support to communities. Combining resources between the two agencies will sharpen the skills of the dogs and double the assets needed in emergency situations. Minot Air Force Base is currently authorized 10 MWDs which are highly trained for a multitude of situations. "A MWD is more than a piece of government equipment," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Kaun, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer. "They are more reliable than any machine made to date." The MWD's are trained to alert their handler to the presence of narcotics and explosives, Kaun said. They can detect criminals and are trained to attack, if necessary, for the trainer's safety. "The MWD's are a force multiplier and they greatly assist in accomplishing the mission here by helping to secure America's strategic resources," Kaun added. "Because of our specialized mission, MWDs ensure we keep unauthorized individuals at a safe distance and are a deterrent at the gate." With Minot's increase in population and people moving in and out, local law enforcement utilizes the K-9 unit for criminal deterrence and drug interdiction. "Due to our increase in activity--a lot of extra traffic and a lot of extra calls for service are made due to all the people moving in," Officer Mike Schott, North Dakota State Trooper said. "Canines are very limited, but very important for the community to have and to keep crime at bay." The MWDs play a vital role to all local law enforcement throughout North Dakota. They support central and western North Dakota as well as Western Montana through K-9 explosive detecting, Kaun said. Also, joint narcotic training is held in central North Dakota. Local law enforcement utilizes the MWDs in situations including bomb threats, missing persons, drug task forces in school sweeps, and airport baggage searches. "We've opened each other up to training opportunities and work opportunities," Officer David Chapman, Minot Police Department patrol and K-9 sergeant said. "There are times when he [Kaun] will call me up and say there is something going on at the base and need another narcotics dog. I'll go help him and he is more than willing to come help us." Police dogs are a limited and expensive resource. Minot AFB's relationship with the local law enforcement through daily operations and monthly trainings is crucial for enhancing development of the K-9 mission.