The University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department K-9 Unit started in May, 2002 by the efforts of K-9 Unit Coordinator Lieutenant Jason Whitney, management and the University Community. The Unit began with Czech Republic born German shepherd, Mosely. Mosely was trained in explosive detection and suspect tracking and worked with Special Events Lieutenant K-9 handler, Whitney. It is with respect that UW-Madison Police Department announced the death of Officer Mosely on March 3rd, 2010.
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 Detective Bureau with his K-9 handler, Detective 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.
In June of 2010, the Department added a new K9 team, which consists of Sergeant Brent Plisch and his partner, K9 Odin. K9 Odin, a German shepherd, was born in the Czech Republic and was trained at Tarheel Canine Training, Inc. in Sanford, North Carolina. Sergeant Plisch and K9 Odin were introduced and attended training together at Tarheel Canine where they were certified in explosives detection and tracking. The Plisch/Odin K9 team work third shift patrol.
The UWPD K-9 Unit has been granted a non-profit account in order to help train and equip each of the teams and help support the funding of new teams. If you are interested in assisting the UWPD K-9 Unit, please contact one of the handlers for further information.
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:
Lieutenant Jason Whitney: jwwhitney@wisc.edu
Detective Shane Driscoll: smdriscoll@wisc.edu
Sergeant Cherise Caradine: csmcfarlane@wisc.edu
Sergeant Brent Plisch: plisch@wisc.edu
