MICHAEL SNYDER photo | ZOOM |

Canine units from throughout the Tristate are in Middletown this week as officers and dogs are tested for certification or prepare for national competition. West Chester Township police Canine Officer Chris Whitton and partner Kizer (above) and Norwood police Canine Officer Joe DiPietrantonio and partner Axel (left) were among teams participating in an outdoor narcotics search during certification and qualifying trials Tuesday at Middletown High School.

Middletown police are hosting the program for the United States Police Canine Association's Region 5, which includes Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Certified units are competing to qualify for national competition that will be held Oct. 5-10 in New Jersey. Exercises include inside and outside searches, obedience, agility, article searches, box searches and apprehension.

The public is invited to watch the competition today through Saturday. Programs begin at 7 a.m. today at Middletown High School where units will compete in obedience, agility and canine demonstrations. Friday, article searches will begin at 7 a.m. at Verity Middle School. Box searches will begin at 7 a.m. at Middletown High School. Saturday, apprehension programs will be held at Middletown High beginning at 7 a.m.

Programs continue each day until finished, about mid-afternoon each day.