Law enforcement officers strive every day to serve and protect their local communities. Among them is a specially trained subset that serve alongside some of mankind’s best friends. Writer Beth Landis Hester does a fine job of introducing canine units as a specialized branch of law enforcement. As part of the illustrated “On A Mission” series, Hester’s book delves into the recruitment, training, and duties of dogs that act as police officers themselves. Hester follows a part of the daily duties of a New Orleans police officer and his companion dog, Rue, to tell this story. Through Rue and his handler, readers encounter the ways these working dogs are trained to become some of the finest agents serving to stop crime. In addition, Hester briefly touches on other ways working dogs are used within both police forces and the military. Tasks such as search and rescue, drug interdiction, and bomb sniffing are all effectively presented in turn. Along the way readers will also get close-up looks at several actual police dogs, their trainers, and the officers who work with them via the many color photographs that pepper the pages of this informative book. Readers with an interest in service animals or law enforcement will certainly enjoy this publication. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck; Ages 7 to 11.
