The objective of the police K-9 Team is to provide the department with an additional specialized unit to increase the effectiveness in the detection and prevention of crime as well as the apprehension of criminals. The K-9 Team provides a tangible service to the department and has a psychological effect on the criminal activity within the community.
The greatest value of the K-9 team lies in the ability of each dog’s keen senses of sight, smell and hearing which aid in the search of drugs, persons, and buildings. The K-9 Team provides a positive public image of the department’s expertise and efficiency.
The Temecula Police Departments K-9 is trained in obedience, agility, evidence searches, building searches and apprehension work.
On February 15, 2007, the City of Temecula and the Temecula Police Department announced the addition of K-9 “KASPER,” a two-year-old Belgian Malinois. KASPER is currently in training and it is anticipated that he will be a positive addition to the Temecula Police Department and he will carry on the high level of service in the apprehension of suspects and the detection of contraband set by his predecessor “KAOS”. KASPER is expected to go into service on April 7, 2007, upon completion of basic training. KASPER will then begin his tour of duty serving the community of Temecula, which will hopefully be a long and prosperous career.
Corporal Cohen remains as the Temecula Police Department K-9 handler and looks forward to working with his new partner and taking a “bite out of crime” to make Temecula a safe place to live and work.
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On January 25, 2007, the City of Temecula and the Temecula Police Department announced the retirement of K-9 “KAOS,” a nine year-old Czech Shepherd. Kaos’ services were a very instrumental part of the success in the apprehension of suspects and the detection of contraband during his five plus years of service to the City of Temecula. Corporal Harry Cohen and his partner Kaos have been with the Temecula Police Department since December 2001. Kaos will officially retire on April 6, 2007.
Although his service was cut short due to medical problems, Kaos’ accomplishments were unprecedented. Kaos worked an average of 60 to 70 hours a week. He was instrumental in locating and seizing over $35 Million dollars worth of drugs and alerting on over $92,000 worth of drug related cash. He responded to over 480 burglary and robbery alarm calls. Kaos assisted with the apprehension of 322 suspects, ensuring the safety of his fellow officers and maintained scene containment on 54 crime scenes. During Kaos’ service he participated in a number of K-9 Trials winning numerous awards at including the Top Dog Award at the 2005 Sheriff K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo. During the 2006 Western States Police and Fire Games, Corporal Harry Cohen and “Kaos” achieved unprecedented success winning top honors as “Top Dog”: Kaos won medals in all the major categories:
Patrol
Overall Top Dog – Gold Medal
Area Search – Gold Medal
Protection – Gold Medal
Agility – Silver Medal
Narcotics Detection
Overall Narcotics Dog – Silver Medal
Narcotics Vehicle Search – Silver Medal
Building Search – Bronze Medal
Most recently he participated in the 2006 Sheriff K-9 Trials & Public Safety Expo and received several awards and honors.
Kaos’ retirement is a loss to the City of Temecula and to the Police Department. Kaos’ friendly disposition when not on-duty made him a great ambassador for the Police Department at park and facility openings, safety fairs, and local schools and community organizations promoting awareness of narcotics abuse and crime prevention.
Corporal Cohen’s new partner will have some big paws to fill, as Kaos set a high standard for any future K-9 Police Service Dog.
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