K-9 Unit



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The K-9 program is a volunteer program, and officers face a tough screening process to become members of this select group. K-9 officers and their families understand that assignment to the unit involves commitment--caring for the dog and spending many hours away from home in training exercises. When the program began in 1982, all dogs were assigned to Motor Patrol for general patrol duties. Since then, two drug interdiction dogs and an explosives-detector dog have been added. Dogs have been invaluable in the department's crime control efforts because of their keen sense of smell and agility. They are also a valuable resource when searching for lost children.

Sgt Dave Molinet and K-9 Ben have been partners since the fall of 1998. Sgt. Molinet has been a member of the Department for 17 years and a member of the K-9 unit for the past 14. K-9 Ben is his third K-9 Partner. K-9 Ben is a five year old German Shepherd imported from Germany. He is trained in both patrol work and narcotics detection. Sgt. Molinet and K-9 Ben share the same birthdate. Like his human partner, K-9 Ben can be hard headed at times, but has a lot of energy and loves to come to
work.

Off. Nick Henderson became a patrolman in 1992 and joined the K-9 unit in 1999. His partner is K-9 Rex, a 19 month old German Sheperd cross trained in apprehension and narcotics detection. K-9 Rex is young, very energetic and is expected to to be with Off. Henderson for a long time.

Officer Hoover has been a member of the Evansville Police Department since 1995. Officer Hoover was assigned as a Patrol Officer until April of 2001 when he was transferred to the K9 unit. K9 Taz is a German shepherd that was born in January of 2000 and imported from Czechoslovakia. K9 Taz is a dual-purpose patrol dog, and is trained to detect the odor of illegal narcotics as well as perform all patrol dog functions; building searches, tracking, evidence searches, and handler protection. K9 Taz has a U.S. Customs certification in the detection of narcotics, and is nationally certified as a patrol dog by the United States Police Canine Association. K9 Taz and Officer Hoover were members of the National Champion Department Team at the 2002 National K9 Trials. K9 Taz and Officer Hoover finished in 12^th place in the individual competition consisting of over 125 police K9’s. Since patrolling the streets of Evansville since July of 2001 K9 Taz has been responsible for the apprehension of over 20 criminals.

Off. Brian Talsma joined the Department in 1995 and was assigned to the K-9 unit in 2001. His partner K-9 Provi is a 6 year old German Sheperd imported from Hungary. He is cross trained in both apprehension and narcotics detection. K-9 Provi is a member of the 2002 United States Police Canine Association National Championship Department Team. K-9 Provi and Off. Talsma finished 15th overall individually at this years USPCA (2002) National Championship Trials. K-9 Provi has proven to be energetic and has an excellent apprehension arrest record since joining the force.

Cpl. Steve Evans recently was teamed with K-9 Officer Buster. Buster is the newest addition to the Evansville Police Department K-9 Program. Buster is a 14 month old black Labrador Retriever and will be the single purpose dog trained in the detection of explosive devices. Cpl. Evans is a 17 year veteran with the Department and has been a Hazardous Device Technician for 20 years. Cpl. Evans first training was in the U.S. Army. Both Buster and Cpl. Evans should be trained and in service by the spring of 2003.

As part of their training, probationary officers are familiarized in the use of canines. Veteran officers also receive refresher training in this area from time to time.