By Allison Conner
Published 10:30 am on April 3, 2026
Rachel Kniss has worked her way into a career that demands both resilience and adaptability.
And, as she’s discovered, it also requires a good partner.
Now a patrol officer with the Bemidji Police Department, the 2020 Bemidji State University alumna helped reestablish a K-9 unit after more than 30 years and serves as the canine officer's only handler.
“It’s been nothing but rewarding,” Kniss said. “It gave me a new sense of purpose. Before I got him, I was kind of in a slump. This job can be difficult and wear you down, but having that partnership gave me a new drive and passion to show up every day.”
Kniss recently returned to Bemidji State to share her professional expertise with BSU students and community members at the latest President’s Reception event. She spoke on a panel with other women in the workforce, talking about her experiences and the knowledge she’s picked up along the way.
Kniss said her interest in law enforcement started early, but it was not something she immediately stepped into with certainty.
“I come from a family in law enforcement, but I wasn’t sure at first if it was for me,” she said. “I was curious about what my dad did, and he was always open with me. When I finally went on ride-alongs with him, I remember thinking, ‘This is the coolest thing ever.’ That’s when I knew I wanted to be a police officer.”
A new chapter with Doc
Kniss reflected on how the challenges quickly became apparent in the early stages of her career. Working a state-funded traffic grant led to around 140 DWI arrests. The pace and repetition took a toll. But instead of staying stuck, she looked for a way to shift her role.
Kniss spearheaded the department’s efforts to revive a K-9 unit. Now, Kniss’ shifts include her partner, Doc, a yellow Labrador trained in narcotics detection and tracking.
“When you think of a police dog, you think of a shepherd,” she said. “I’ve got the only floppy-eared dog, so he’s a little different, which I think is pretty cool. He’s an absolute sweetheart.”
The two have served Bemidji together since July 2024. Kniss noted that the role carries responsibilities that extend beyond the shift.
“There’s no off switch with Doc,” she said. “Other officers come to work and go home, but I’m responsible for him all the time. He’s with me on shift and at home, and there’s a lot of training that goes into it. It’s a big commitment, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
Working with Doc requires consistency and ongoing training. Kniss said he is trained to detect seven different narcotics and track human scent, making him a valuable partner in both searches and investigations. Doc is also trained to locate items that may be hidden or discarded.
Coaching does not stop after certification, however. The pair completed 13 weeks of initial training together, but Kniss said the work continues every day.
“There are days when it’s just training and more training,” she said. “But then you see it click, and it’s like, ‘Oh, he did exactly what I wanted him to do.’”
That daily work has strengthened their partnership and changed how she approaches the job.
“He’s given me a new drive to come to work every day,” Kniss said. “There’s nothing else I want to do but have a dog in my car and give him every opportunity to do what he’s trained to do.”
