FiveM K9 Police Script Guide 2026 — Deploy K9 Units on Your Server

K9 units are a staple of real-world law enforcement, and they bring that same intensity to FiveM roleplay. A well-configured fivem k9 script lets police officers deploy trained dogs that sniff out drugs, track fleeing suspects, search vehicles, and take down armed criminals. Whether you run a serious RP community or a semi-casual server, K9 functionality elevates police work from routine patrols to dynamic, unpredictable encounters.

This guide covers everything you need to deploy K9 units on your server: core features, the top five scripts available in 2026, a side-by-side comparison, integration tips, installation steps, and roleplay scenario ideas.

What K9 Scripts Actually Do

A fivem k9 script spawns a dog ped (typically a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois model) that follows the handler and responds to commands. Most scripts share a common set of features, though implementation quality varies significantly.

Drug Detection

The dog approaches a player or vehicle and runs a detection check against a configurable list of items. If the target carries drugs like cocaine, meth, or marijuana, the K9 triggers an alert animation — barking, sitting, or pawing at the source. This gives officers probable cause to search without relying purely on player dialogue. Pair this with a solid drug script for maximum impact. Check our drug and crime script roundup for compatible options.

Suspect Tracking

When a suspect flees on foot, the handler issues a track command. The dog locks onto the nearest player (or a specific target, depending on the script) and chases them down. Better scripts use pathfinding that handles obstacles, fences, and elevation changes rather than simply running in a straight line toward coordinates.

Attack and Hold Commands

The handler commands the dog to apprehend a suspect. On contact, the target is knocked down or restrained with a tackle animation. More advanced scripts include a "hold" mode where the K9 pins the suspect without attacking, useful for scenarios where lethal force is not justified.

Vehicle Searches

During traffic stops, the handler walks the K9 around a vehicle. The dog alerts on specific doors or the trunk if contraband is detected inside. This is one of the most immersive features for highway patrol RP and works best with inventory systems that track items per vehicle compartment.

Handler Follow and Patrol

Outside of active commands, the K9 follows its handler at a configurable distance. Some scripts include a patrol mode where the dog circles a perimeter or guards a location autonomously.

Top 5 FiveM K9 Scripts in 2026

We evaluated the most popular K9 scripts based on feature depth, framework support, animation quality, configurability, and community feedback. Here are the top five.

1. Renewed K9

Renewed K9 is widely regarded as the most complete fivem k9 script available. It supports QBCore, ESX, and QBox with a single codebase and offers the broadest feature set.

Pros:

• Full drug detection with configurable item lists
• Suspect tracking with advanced pathfinding
• Attack, hold, and release commands
• Vehicle search with per-compartment detection
• K9 health and stamina system
• Built-in training minigame

Cons:

• Higher resource usage than simpler alternatives
• Configuration file is extensive, which can overwhelm new admins

2. Quasar K9

Quasar K9 focuses on clean animations and tight QBCore integration. It is a strong choice for servers that prioritize visual polish.

Pros:

• Smooth custom animations for all commands
• Drug sniffing with alert indicators
• Clean radial menu integration
• Lightweight on server resources

Cons:

• QBCore only, no ESX support
• No vehicle search feature
• Limited tracking range

3. Codesign K9

Codesign delivers a reliable, no-frills K9 experience with solid multi-framework support and straightforward configuration.

Pros:

• Supports QBCore, ESX, and standalone
• Simple config file, easy to set up
• Drug detection and basic tracking
• Attack and recall commands

Cons:

• No vehicle search functionality
• Animations are functional but not custom
• No K9 health or stamina system

4. JG K9

JG K9 targets mid-range servers that want K9 functionality without heavy configuration. It integrates well with other JG resources.

Pros:

• Quick setup with sensible defaults
• Drug sniffing and suspect tracking
• Works with QBCore and ESX
• Compatible with JG MDT and JG Dispatch

Cons:

• Feature set is basic compared to Renewed
• No hold command, only attack
• Tracking can struggle in dense areas

5. OP K9

OP K9 is a budget-friendly option that covers the essentials. Good for smaller servers or communities just getting started with police RP.

Pros:

• Low price point
• Basic drug detection and attack commands
• Lightweight, minimal performance impact
• QBCore and ESX support

Cons:

• No vehicle search
• No tracking feature
• Limited animation variety
• Fewer updates than premium alternatives

K9 Script Comparison Table

Feature	Renewed K9	Quasar K9	Codesign K9	JG K9	OP K9
Drug Detection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Suspect Tracking	Advanced	Basic	Basic	Basic	No
Attack/Hold	Both	Attack	Attack	Attack	Attack
Vehicle Search	Yes	No	No	No	No
K9 Health System	Yes	No	No	No	No
Training System	Yes	No	No	No	No
QBCore	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ESX	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
QBox	Yes	No	No	No	No
Custom Animations	Yes	Yes	No	No	No

Integrating K9 Scripts with Your Server

A fivem k9 script does not operate in isolation. It connects to your drug system, police job, dispatch, and inventory. Getting these integrations right is what separates a gimmick from a genuine RP tool.

Police Job Integration

Your K9 script needs to know which players are authorized handlers. Most scripts check the player's job and grade through the framework API. In QBCore, this means setting a specific grade in shared/jobs.lua for the police job. In ESX, you configure the grade in the database jobs and job_grades tables. Only players with the designated K9 handler grade can spawn and command dogs.

Drug Script Compatibility

The K9's detection list must match the item names in your drug script. If your drug resource uses coke_brick but the K9 config lists cocaine, detection will silently fail. Audit both configs and ensure exact item name matches. See our guide on drug and crime scripts for the most commonly used item names across popular drug resources.

Dispatch Integration

When a K9 alerts on drugs or apprehends a suspect, the event should trigger a dispatch notification so other units are aware. Premium K9 scripts fire dispatch events automatically. For scripts that do not, you can add a simple server event trigger in the alert callback to push a notification through ps-dispatch, cd_dispatch, or your dispatch system of choice.

Inventory System

Vehicle searches require an inventory system that stores items per vehicle. If your server uses a basic inventory without vehicle storage, the K9 vehicle search feature will not function. Ensure compatibility with ox_inventory, qb-inventory, or whichever system your server runs.

Installation Guide

Setting up a fivem k9 script follows the same general pattern regardless of which one you choose. Here is the standard process.

Step 1 — Download and place the resource. Extract the script into your server's resources folder. Use a clear folder name like [police]/k9-script.

Step 2 — Add to server.cfg. Add ensure k9-script to your server.cfg file. Make sure it loads after your framework (qb-core or es_extended) and after your police job resource.

Step 3 — Import SQL. If the script includes a .sql file, run it against your database. This typically creates tables for K9 ownership, training progress, or handler assignments.

Step 4 — Configure items and permissions. Open the config file (usually config.lua or shared/config.lua). Set the authorized job name and grade, configure the drug detection item list, and adjust command keybinds or chat commands.

Step 5 — Test in game. Join your server with a character assigned to the K9 handler grade. Spawn the dog, test each command (follow, sit, sniff, track, attack, recall), and verify drug detection against a test target carrying configured items.

Step 6 — Fine-tune. Adjust detection radius, tracking range, attack damage, and cooldowns based on your server's balance preferences.

For a broader overview of script installation patterns, check out our complete FiveM scripts guide.

Roleplay Scenario Ideas

A K9 unit shines when it drives RP scenarios that would not happen otherwise. Here are setups that work well on live servers.

Traffic Stop Drug Bust

An officer pulls over a vehicle for a routine violation. Instead of immediately searching the car, they radio for the K9 unit. The handler walks the dog around the vehicle. The K9 alerts on the trunk. Now the officers have probable cause to search, and the driver has a decision: comply, talk their way out, or run. This creates a multi-step interaction that feels earned rather than arbitrary.

Foot Pursuit Through the City

A suspect breaks away during a pat-down and runs into a crowded area. The handler deploys the K9 on a track command. The dog chases through alleys and over fences while the officer follows on foot, calling out the dog's direction over radio. Other units set up a perimeter based on the K9's trajectory.

Building Clearance

Before officers enter a suspected drug house, the K9 handler sends the dog in first to detect threats and locate contraband. The dog alerts at specific rooms, guiding the tactical approach. This works especially well with interior MLOs where the layout creates natural chokepoints.

K9 Demonstration Event

Host a community event where the K9 unit demonstrates capabilities to cadets or civilians. The handler shows off obedience commands, drug detection on planted items, and a controlled apprehension with a volunteer in a bite suit. These events build community engagement and give new officers exposure to the K9 role.

Final Thoughts

A good fivem k9 script transforms police roleplay from static patrols into dynamic, layered encounters. Drug busts feel procedural instead of random. Foot chases gain urgency. Traffic stops become tense standoffs. The key is choosing a script that matches your server's framework and integrating it properly with your existing police, drug, and inventory systems.

Browse our script collection for K9 and other police resources, or explore the best FiveM scripts of 2026 and essential job scripts for more ways to build out your server.