I am a civilian that has been invited to and attended training sessions during a 16-week police dog certification program in Ontario, Canada during which I watched one of the dogs that I raised be trained for building searches, obedience, tracking, article/area searches, narcotic searches, bark and hold work, agility and bitework. I did not attend all sessions, but the sessions I did attend WERE NOT brutal at all (and this is coming from a reward-based trainer). All dogs were composed, no unwarranted aggression and all were safe to be around on and off leash. I have had 2 dogs go through and certify under this program and neither one is any different in their character and temperament, both are still very spirited. All of my questions were answered by the head trainer, I was involved in a few exercises as well.
I have had access to "ride-alongs" with my local community K9 unit where we went on real calls (I stayed in the car when they tracked the criminal though), drank coffee LOL, did some obedience and laid a 1/2 km track in my bitesuit in the middle of winter only to be found and detained by the dog.
I have been invited to attend law enforcement K9 seminars held in the U.S. as well (but have yet to attend, my budget is not quite there).
The agencies have been very, very good to me, the difference being, I had assisted them with their own dogs (working through training issues privately) and provided other agencies with dogs that are now in service.
I believe, from my experience, that law enforcement is a serious line of work. The K9 officers are bombarded with all kinds of ridiculous and often repetitive questions from the general public on a daily basis. On top of that, people who do not even have a clue what the job entails seem to stop to give them training advice. I can understand why they are so guarded about having people out to their sessions. I found that if you keep your mouth shut, get to understand what the job is about, ask intelligent questions (and keep your opinion to yourself), and keep your mitts off the dogs the officers and trainers are more receptive to allowing you to view training exercises. This has been my experience at least, and I have met some truly excellent, knowledgeable people that have and continue to provide me with guidance as I prepare and place more dogs into service.
Of course, there are always going to be conflicting personalities that, for one reason or another, have a bias against civilian involvement or have ego issues, but the majority are very willing to share information with you and answer questions. They are human so they are not all perfect.
Cheers,
Mike