Unit supervisor
P.F.C. Lauryn Capehart
K9 Supervisor, trainer and evaluator
Contact
Fax 304-256-1731
Main 304-256-1720
lauryn.birchfield@beckley.gov
Teams in service
Three K-9 teams
Certified annually
Location
501 Neville Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Overview
About the Unit
The Beckley Police Department currently has three K-9 teams in operation. Each team consists of a K-9 handler and a dual-purpose trained K-9. The K-9s are valuable assets in fighting crime and making the community safer.
In addition to working a beat and handling calls for service, the K-9 units are often called on to assist other federal, state, and local agencies when K-9 support is needed.
When the department’s K-9s are not on the job they live with their handlers, making for a full-time partnership. Handlers and dogs train constantly to maintain a high level of readiness, and each team recertifies every year through the West Virginia Police Canine Association.
The unit's work
What This Unit Does
Locates narcotics under state certification
Tracks human scent
Recovers evidence
Works patrol assignments and calls for service
Assists federal, state, and local agencies on request
The teams
Our K-9 Teams
P.F.C. Lauryn Capehart
K-9 Zero
P.F.C. Drew Amick
K-9 Luna
P.F.C. Daniel Cline
K-9 Vito
Community programs
K-9 Demonstrations
Request a Demonstration
The Beckley Police Department encourages the community to reach out and interact with the K-9s and their handlers. Demonstrations are available for schools, events, groups, and organizations.
To arrange a demonstration in your area, or to ask any question about the K-9 unit, contact the unit supervisor listed below.
Training and Certification
The K-9s are state certified to locate narcotics, track human scent, recover evidence, and perform patrol work. Handlers and dogs train continuously so that both are prepared for the most challenging assignments, and every team recertifies annually through the West Virginia Police Canine Association.
Contact
Contact the K9 Unit
To arrange a demonstration or ask a question about the K-9 unit, contact the unit supervisor.
Unit contact
Officer
P.F.C. Lauryn Capehart
K9 Supervisor, trainer and evaluator
Mailing address
Beckley Police Department
501 Neville Street
Beckley, WV 25801