![Officer Austin Sontag and K-9 Kilo with the Newton Police Department completed over 12 weeks of intense training. [Photo: City of Newton] ](https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685738776900.jpeg)
City of Newton
NEWTON, Kan. — The City of Newton proudly announced that a Newton Police Department officer Austin Sontag and K-9 Kilo recently completed the Utah POST/PSP Certification.
The program is based on the world-renowned North Rhine-Westphalia State Police School for Service Dog Handlers. The program has evolved over the last 90 years to what is commonly known today as the Utah POST/PSP Certification.
The program is physically and mentally demanding, and is 12+ weeks of intense training.
Each day begins with a run with the dog, and includes multiple written tests and term papers.
Along with the obvious drug odor work and all disciplines in patrol work, Officer Sontag learned K-9 psychology, first aid, case law and a multitude of other topics.
The training was held in the Wichita area, including several days of training in the Newton and Harvey County area. The instructors were from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Officer Sontag and K-9 Kilo received grades of almost all two's in all disciplines. The grading system is on a scale from one to six, with one being perfect.
The grading is very tough, and both the handler and dog are graded and scrutinized on their skills and ability to work together. Very few ones are ever earned.
The City of Newton is excited to get both of them back on the street in their community.
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