Zion Police Canine Unit

The Zion Police Department takes great pride in its Canine Unit and their accomplishments. The Canine Unit currently consists of a single handler and canine, both of whom completed their basic training at Tops Kennel in Grayslake, Illinois. The team trains consistently to stay sharp and will continue their training at Tops throughout the canine’s service.

The State of Illinois enforces strict performance and certification standards for canine teams. The Zion Canine Unit meets these standards annually as required by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

The unit is funded almost entirely through a private foundation and seized narcotics money.

Capabilities of the Canine Unit

• Track human scent to locate fleeing suspects
• Conduct building searches for hidden suspects
• Detect illegal narcotics through narcotics sniffs
• Perform article searches for discarded evidence or lost items
• Search wide outdoor areas to locate suspects
• Protect the handler, other officers, and civilians
• Act as a visual deterrent to crime

These skills help the Zion Police Department serve the public more effectively. A single canine team can search large areas faster and more efficiently than a group of officers.

Community Demonstrations

The Canine Unit is available for public demonstrations by written request to the Chief’s Office. These demonstrations educate the public about the role of the canine team and foster positive community relationships. Demonstrations are both informative and entertaining.

Please note: Knox is not a passive dog and should not be approached or touched without the handler’s permission. However, Officer Ogden is happy to answer questions and share information about his partner, Knox.