This article provides a sociological analysis of the work of K9 officers and their patrol dogs. The data that support the analysis were collected by observing the kennel work routine of BPCães/PMDF and interviewing its members. From the changes both in the canine races used and in the functions performed, ambiguities arise around the representations of police violence and the representations about the canine races. The study of the relationship between humans and dogs, within the police activity, allows advancing in the sociological understanding of issues related to the activity and also of the relationship between the police and society.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )