Updated: Fri Nov. 20 2009 16:07:39

ctvedmonton.ca

Three new puppies are set to join the Edmonton Police Service Canine Unit this fall, and officers are looking to some local students for help in selecting the puppies' names.

Each kindergarten to Grade 6 class from both Edmonton Public schools and Edmonton Catholic schools are asked to come up with names for the new dogs.

Students have until 4 p.m. on Dec. 3rd to submit their entries.

Police will then review the submissions and select the top picks to name two male and one female 13-week old German Shepherds.

"Usually we look for one to two syllable names," said Sgt. Tom Pallas with Edmonton police.

The three pups have already begun their preliminary training this month, and their official EPS basic training will begin when the puppies reach 14-18 months of age.

If the pups are successful in training, they'll be teamed up with an EPS canine officer and will be out patrolling Edmonton streets.

There are currently 12 dog handler teams in the EPS Canine Unit. Police service dogs can remain in active service for up to seven years.