Kenosha County Detention Center -K9's
The Kenosha County Detention Center currently employs four German Shepherd canines. The canines joined the Kenosha County Detention Center in October of 1998. They are duel purpose dogs trained in the following areas: narcotic detection, agility, obedience, aggression, officer protection, building and area searches, and tracking.
Each canine is assigned a handler; together the handler and the canine consist of one team. The handler communicates with the canine using German command words and hand signals Each of the four teams successfully completed a 160-hour Basic Police Canine Program.. Each team participates in training exercises on a regular basis. Each canine has been trained since birth for the function of a law enforcement aid.
A major part of the training for the canine and the handler is obedience. It is very important to have a strong bond between the canine and the handler. Once a bond is established, the canine will respond immediately to the handler's commands. This is why the canines are assigned to only one handler. The loyalty of the canine to the handler is necessary for the effective use of the canine in every day operations.
The canines perform multiple functions while on duty, depending on the daily activity. The main function of the canine in the correctional setting is simply being a deterrent. When the canines are used to patrol the hallways or are present when meals are served, the impact of the canine is reflected through how the offender reacts. The canines are also used for perimeter patrol, narcotic detection in the dormitories and Huber parking lots, and crowd control when such a situation arises. The usage of the canine has helped to diffuse potentially serious situations. Although the canines are trained for cell insertions, the need for this has not yet been presented. Further, the canines can track an escaped offender, but this also has not yet happened.
"Smith and Meik "
Handler: John M. Smith, has worked for the Detention Center since September 14, 1999 He is assigned to first shift and graduated from Fox Valley Technical College Basic Police K-9 program on May 23, 2003.
Canine: Meik was born on December 8, 2003 in Czechoslovakia. His strengths include building and area searches, handler protection and narcotic detection.
"Grimes and Bojar"
Handler: Andrew G. Grimes, Direct Supervision Officer,has worked for the Detention Center since October 30, 2000. He is assigned to second shift and graduated from T.O.P.S. Canine Officer Training program on November 7, 2008.
Canine: Lando was born on August 20, 2006 in Springfield, MO. His strengths include tracking, narcotic detection, and Handler protection.
"Greene & Bak"
Handler: Regina M. Greene, Direct Supervision Officer, has worked for the Detention Center since March 22, 2005. She is assigned to third shift and also graduated from the Fox Valley Technical College Basic Police Canine Program on October 6, 2006.
Canine: Bak was born on August 4, 2004 in Germany. His strengths include handler protection and narcotic detection.
"Claussen and Kenny "
Handler: Jeveon R. Claussen, Direct Supervision Officer, has worked for the Detention Center since June 22, 1998. She is assigned to first shift and also graduated from the Fox ValleyTechnical College Basic Police Canine Program on October 6, 2006.
Canine: Kenny was born on November 20, 2004 in Germany. His strengths include tracking and narcotic detection.
