The Joliet Police Department’s K-9 Unit was created in 1980. The current unit has one Sergeant, four Officers, and four canine Police Service Dogs. Three canines are dual-purpose (narcotics & tracking) and one canine is dual-purpose (explosives detection & tracking).

• Sergeant Trevillian (Unit Supervisor)
• Officer Stapleton & K-9 Nevil
• Officer Aloisio & K-9 Rex
• Officer Lukaszek & K-9 Reno
• Officer Rosales & K-9 Aro

All Joliet Police canines are certified annually through the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) in obedience, narcotic search, tracking, article/evidence search, apprehension, and area search. Due to the canine’s superior sense of smell, hearing, and physical capabilities, a trained law enforcement canine is a valuable asset for the police department to use in order to assist in providing a safe environment for the citizens of the community.

The police canine’s main function is as a locating tool:

• Narcotic Detection 
• Tracking
• Building & Area Searches
• Evidence Recovery
• Explosives Detection

The canine is the only weapon an Officer can use that can be recalled after being deployed. It also cannot be used against the Officer. The canine draws focus to itself without an Officer present.

Narcotic Detection

Most police canines are trained to smell for narcotics, whether it be during a building or vehicle search. Most, including the Joliet Police Department canines, can scent for the following:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine (including ecstasy and LSD)
• Crack Cocaine

Joliet Police Department canines will go into a “passive” alert to show the handler where the source of where the drugs are; this means they will sit down and stare at the source. Other police canines are “aggressive” alert dogs; this means they will dig at the source to find it.

Tracking

The Joliet Police Department canines are all trained in tracking. The canines are trained to follow ground disturbances, not odors, and are utilized to track fugitives as well as lost & missing people.

Building & Area Search

A canine's sense of smell makes it easier to locate hidden suspects. The Joliet Police Department canines are utilized to search broad/large areas to save Officers from walking into a potential ambush.

Evidence Recovery

A police service dog can scent recently touched/handled items and alert their handler to the items. The Joliet Police Department canines are used to recover dropped weapons, stolen merchandise, personal property, contraband, and other items.

Explosives Detection

A police explosive detection canine is certified & trained to find explosives and firearms-related evidence. The canine's nose is a major asset, making them capable of detecting numerous explosives combinations. The canine works side by side with their handler to assist law enforcement, including local, county, state, & federal agencies, to seek out explosives, guns, and spent ammunition evidence in criminal investigations. In addition, explosive detection canines secure major public events, schools, & buildings by sweeping for explosives in the area.

Visit the Joliet Police K-9 Unit Facebook Page