• Criminal Affairs Dept. Criminal Identification Div.
  • 2025.08.28
  • Content number6222

Akita Prefectural Police Commissioned Police Dog Examination 2025

What are Akita Prefectural Police Commissioned Police Dogs?

The Akita Prefectural Police commissions excellent dogs that have been raised and trained at home to serve as police dogs.

The main activity of commissioned police dogs is to be dispatched upon request from the police and to search for missing persons, etc.

To be eligible to work as a commissioned police dog, the dog must pass an examination held by the Akita Prefectural Police.

Until now, police dogs commissioned by the Akita Prefectural Police were limited to seven breeds, including shepherds, but starting this year, there will be no more breed restrictions and the police will be looking for excellent dogs, including small dogs.

Date

Friday, November 7, 2020

Venue

Akita Prefectural Police Academy Grounds

Eligibility

1. A person who lives in Akita Prefecture and can respond to a police call (18 years of age or older)

2. Those who comply with the Rabies Prevention Act and other laws and regulations related to pet ownership

Examination items

1. Tracking down footprints

The dogs are tasked with tracking the scent of people who have walked along a designated route on paved and grassy surfaces, and are judged on whether they can find any personal belongings or the people who walked.

2. Odor sorting

Five pieces of cloth with different scents (one correct, four incorrect) are placed on a sorting table, and the dogs are given the correct scent before being judged to see if they can select and bring back a piece of cloth with the same scent.

How to apply

Please refer to the sample form, fill out the necessary information on the attached application form, and send it by mail to the Forensics Division of the Akita Prefectural Police Headquarters.

Judging Committee Information Poster [2522KB]

Application form [63KB]PDF file

[Example] Application form [98KB]PDF file

Important notes for application [230KB]PDF file

Application acceptance period

From Monday, September 1, 2025 to Tuesday, October 7, 2025 (Applications must arrive by October 7, 2025)

Contact us about this page

Criminal Affairs Dept. Criminal Identification Div.