Chartered as a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC in August, 1971, the United States Police Canine Association, Inc. (USPCA) became the largest and oldest active organization of its kind when two existing association’s, the Police K-9 Association, Inc. and the United States K-9 Association merged. Membership is open to police canine handlers, trainers and administrators throughout the United States, Canada, and members of the Armed Forces throughout the world.
Under its charter the USPCA established the National Executive Committee. This committee consists of a National President and Vice Presidents, National Secretary, National Treasurer, and a Board of Trustees. All are elected by the general membership and serve two-year terms of office. Regions and Districts, similar to chapters, were also established and determined by geographical area. Each Region or District elect their own officers and are responsible for their day to day activities. The elected President of each Region or District automatically becomes a member of the National Executive Committee. There are currently twenty-six Regions and four Districts across the United States and Canada.
The National Association meets three times a year. In the Spring, during the National Detector Dog Trial and Seminar, in the early Summer at the National Training Seminar, and again in the Fall, during the National Police Dog Field Trial and Seminar. During these week long meetings, the National Executive Committee meets to determine future policy; new training methods are discussed at our seminars; and members from around the country are able to exchange information that will help to better prepare them for the challenges facing modern law enforcement professionals.
About Our Region
Headquartered in the Washington, DC area, Region Three is one of 26 Regions of the United States Police Canine Association.
With geographic boundaries encompassing the states of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Region Three has continued to attract more than 250 members year after year. With our annual Police Dog I, Police Dog II/Tracking, and Detector Certification Trials, along with our Training Seminars and Iron Dog Endurance Run, we have built a reputation as one of the most active Regions within the Association.
