Novi Police Dept. welcomes a new
K-9 to the team
 
June 6, 2007
 
On May 30, 2007, a new member of the Novi Police Department joined the team: K-9 “Moose” was officially placed into service and onto patrol with his handler, Officer Shawn Penzak. Moose is a “Sable” German Shepherd and has been assigned badge number 906. He joins colleague Yukon and handler Officer Jeff Brown on the force.

Moose was born in December 2005 and began a more than 900-hour extensive training program in February 2006. Moose began his training with an approximate four-month long “puppy track” instruction. This is very basic tracking that starts out with the use of hot dogs to help the dog learn basic techniques.

Following this preparation, his tracking training eventually progressed to “aged” tracking skills, whereby he would be required to pick-up and track scents and trails that were 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and more than an hour old, with proficiency. The tracking training continued with week by week proficiency, and lasted approximately one year. Moose was certified in this skill in May 2007.

Concurrent with the tracking training, Moose began narcotics training and is now trained and certified in the detection of Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine, and other controlled substances. Moose is also certified and trained in “Handler Protection.” In the event Officer Penzak is ever in danger or need of assistance, Moose is trained to assist him.

One of the skills Moose has also been practicing is proficiency with Agility Course Training. This is not a certification, but rather a skill the dog practices to help maintain a general level of fitness and increase his abilities with searching and tracking. This course involves a series of complex jumping, climbing, crawling and maneuvering tunnels.

“In addition to providing safety for the officers, K-9s are able to track people and can be used to track suspects that have fled a scene,” notes David Molloy, Novi Police Chief. “They can be used to search buildings that may harbor a suspect, apprehend fleeing suspects, and detect drugs to build probable cause for search warrants. The dogs also provide a wonderful community relations benefit by performing K-9 demonstrations at local schools and community events.”

The K-9 dogs are purchased by their handler and training is also funded by the officer. A portion of the dog’s food and veterinary expenses are paid for by the Novi Police Department using State drug forfeiture funds.