The Alliance of Search K-9’s or TASK was formed in 1998. It was during this time a few officers and a firefighter from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex realized the need for a centralized callout number and standard of proficiency for the deployment of properly trained search dogs. Receiving a call for help from a former search team, TASK members were dispatched to Big Bend National Park to assist in a search for a missing teen. Upon returning, team members vowed to offer training, education and standardized testing to ensure that a data base of qualified K-9 teams could be compiled that would encompass the entire state of Texas. Establishing this data base would ensure K-9 and handler could be deployed and arrive on scene in a more timely manner. Requesting agencies could be confident that if the K-9 team was dispatched by TASK, the team would be professionally trained, prepared and effective. TASK set it’s main focus on education and training of both K-9 and handler but also has established a training tool, “Trail Smart” that is a program given to school age children, that details what to do if they become lost. TASK also offers training to law enforcement and fire officials in the proper methods to recover and preserve scent that will be used in a search or investigation.

Based in Jacksboro, Texas, TASK has members in various areas throughout the state of Texas, Louisiana and now across the United States . TASK members must be dedicated to a stringent schedule of training to provide to authorities only the most highly trained scent discriminating K-9’s. Scent discrimination means that the K-9 can locate one person’s smell from many others in close proximity. The K-9 has been trained to follow a specific scent from the point last seen to final identification of the individual. Peoples scent is as individual as a fingerprint or DNA. Our dogs are diligently trained to trail humans in both urban and rural environment.

TASK canine teams have assisted in many high profile missing person situations. Our former students have tracked Eric Rudolph, looked for Lacy Petersen, looked for the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Challenger after it broke up over East Texas and most recently, looked for missing victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Southern Texas and Louisiana.

TASK canines are tested in tracking/trailing, area search or human remains detection. Whether it is a lost child, alzheimers patient or criminal pursuit, our handlers are trained to respond with the same degree of professionalism and at no cost to the requesting agency. TASK handlers are trained to work in high stress situations and are well versed in incident command procedures. All the canines working for TASK are proven reliable and have been tested and trained under the finest law enforcement K-9 trainers in the United States. All of our handlers have been trained in CPR and first aid, radio communications and the use of topographical mapping tools. To be eligible for callout with TASK, the K-9 dog and handler team must be rigorously trained and tested under real life conditions to a high degree of accuracy including testing. Testing includes being able to accurately search and area and give a determination of area clear. Each handler must maintain a record of training and must make this log available for review on demand.

TASK teams may be requested by contact with the following:

TASK CEO and Training Coordinator:

Clyde Watson           
P.O. Box 291
Jacksboro, Tx 76458-2615
817-269-8477 cellular
 
           
TASK Vice-President, Law Enforcement Contact: 

Jeff Gore, Greenville Police Department, 
903-456-4795 cellular

Non-Law Enforcement contact: 

Kathy Zasimovich
501-912-2876

TASK Seminar Coordinator:

Kimberly Watson
P.O. Box 291
Jacksboro, TX 76458-2615
817-475-9689 cellular (24 hour call)

24 Hour Law Enforcement Contact
Jack County Sheriffs Department