In February 2007 the Macomb Police
Department purchased two K-9's to assist in day-to-day police duties.
Money for the dogs and K-9 equipment was raised through a variety of
fundraising events and donations. Both K-9's and their handlers
train at least 20 hours a month in all areas that the K-9's are training
for. The dogs and handlers are also re-certified every 6 months
through the Illinois State Police.
Officer Kennedy's K-9 is a Dutch Shepard
named "Casino." Officer Kennedy and "Casino" have
attended Full Service Canine Training and "Casino" is
trained in Narcotics Detection, Tracking, Building and Article Searches,
Criminal Apprehension, and Officer Protection.
Officer Renfroe's K-9 is a Beligan
Malinois named "Landres." "Landres" is trained
in Narcotics Detection only. "Landres" is a passive alert dog
which means she only alerts to the presence of the odor of illegal
narcotics/drugs (cannabis, heroin, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine,
etc.)
Both K-9's live with their handlers and
report for duty whenever the handlers are needed for police
duties. The dogs and their handlers have assisted in numerous drug
arrests, search warrants, and drug cash seizures.