The University of Wisconsin Madison
Police Department K-9 Unit started in May, 2002 by the efforts of K-9
Unit Coordinator Sergeant Jason Whitney, management and the University
Community. The Unit began with Czech Republic born German shepherd, Mosely.
Mosely is trained in explosive detection and suspect tracking and works 1st
Shift patrol with his K-9 handler, Sergeant Whitney.
In October, 2003 the K-9 Unit expanded, adding a second Czech Republic born German shepherd, Rex. K-9 Rex is also trained in explosive detection and tracking and works 1st Shift Planning and Development with his K-9 handler, Police Officer Shane Driscoll. Both Rex and Mosely had been trained with their handlers at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana. There are currently only three explosive detection K-9s in Dane county, two of them right here at UW-Madison PD.
The
explosive detection K-9s respond to a variety of calls for service. The K-9s
respond to bomb threats, suspicious packages and tracking suspects. The
explosive K-9s can most frequently be seen prior to and during Badger sporting
events. The K-9s also provide dignitary protection and clearing for other
special events on campus and around the state. The explosive K-9s are available
upon request statewide by law enforcement agencies for explosive detection and
tracking.
March 2007 brought another expansion to the Department’s K-9 Unit. Born, raised and trained in Madison, WI, Casey is a Dutch Shepherd trained and certified in narcotics detection, agility and evidence recovery. K-9 Casey works 2nd shift patrol with her handler, Police Officer Cherise Caradine. K-9 Casey was trained by Madison Police Department Sergeant Christine Boyd, who coordinates and leads the Madison K-9 Unit and handled K-9 Arno (1998-2006).
All the Department K-9s make appearances and do demonstrations at special events and presentations like Safety Town, Safety Saturday and Ready Camp. Each K-9 is certified through North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA). Mosely, Rex and Casey each live with their handler at their home and are members of their families. The K-9 Unit trains regularly with other agency K-9 units, including Madison Police Department, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin State Patrol.
If you have questions or would like more information on the UW-Madison Police Department K-9 Unit, feel free to contact one of our handlers. The handlers can be contacted via email at:
Sergeant Jason Whitney: jwwhitney@wisc.edu
PO Shane Driscoll: smdriscoll@wisc.edu
PO Cherise Caradine: csmcfarlane@wisc.edu
