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Virginia Capitol Connections , Winter 2013
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Meet the
Capitol
Police
K-9 Unit
By Security Officer Jane Sparks
Employees and visitors to
Capitol Square will likely see the
uniformed officers of the Division
of Capitol Police—whether on
duty in state buildings or patrolling
the Capitol grounds and other
properties for which they are
responsible. Another group of four-
legged individuals is also vital to
the success of maintaining a safe
and secure environment for those
who work in and visit the Capitol
District—the Division of Capitol
Police K-9 Unit. The Capitol Police canines are always on call. The
Division’s K-9 Unit was formed in December 2000 and currently
consists of three police dogs and two canine handlers. These dogs are
specially trained to detect various types of explosives, and each dog
is certified through the Virginia Police Work Dog Association. Along
with their handlers, they provide an added level of security from threats
that are becoming more prevalent in today’s world.
A typical K-9 workday begins early with the dog’s handler
conducting security sweeps of state buildings and grounds. The K-9
officers also conduct maintenance training where the dogs are allowed
to ‘find’ a hidden target. When the dog sniffs the explosive odor, he
sits. He is then rewarded by being allowed to play with his favorite
toy. Though the dog treats each search as a game, it is a serious and
necessary job.
Officer Sean Chaulklin’s
partner is K-9 Cheno, a 10-year-
old Belgian Shepherd. Cheno
was donated to the Division
in 2008 and was previously
assigned to U.S. Customs.
Cheno will be retiring from
active service in a just a few
months. Fifteen-month-old
Gunner, another Belgian
Shepherd, was also donated to
the Capitol Police and is being
trained by Officer Chaulklin
to take over Cheno’s duties.
Gunner will carry on the
tradition, as his family has a
history of working as police
dogs.
Atos is a three-year-old Brindle German Shepherd from Marburg,
Germany. He is also certified under the U.S. Police Canine Association
in explosives/firearm detection. His handler is Officer BrianAlexander,
who gives Atos his basic commands in German. Officer Alexander said
that Atos is the best working dog he has ever had.
In 2011, the Division’s K-9 Unit conducted 557 utilizations,
including 8 bomb threats and 35 assists to other police agencies.
In addition to their daily duties, the DCP K-9 Unit has performed
numerous demonstrations for schools (a favorite) and at special events.
At the seat of state government, the Division’s K-9 Unit plays a
critical role in fulfilling the Division’s mission of providing progressive
law enforcement and security services to Virginia’s government
officials, employees, citizens of the Commonwealth and its visitors.
Colonel Anthony S. Pike stands
on the Capitol steps with Atos,
a Brindle German Shepherd from
Marburg, Germany.
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