K-9 Unit | Hamilton Police Service

The Hamilton Police Service was the first in the province to bring in a formal unit, back in 1960.
Currently, Hamilton’s K9 Unit is comprised of four officers and their assigned police service dogs - Radar, Jax, Chase and Gage.
The officers and their assigned dogs undergo an extensive 16-week training course to learn how to chase, track narcotics, firearms, explosives and even missing persons.
The K9 Unit is an enormous asset to the Hamilton Police Service family and are often utilized in serious calls such as robberies, weapons calls, drug calls and ground searches.

Meet our K9 Units

K9-1 Officer Schotel & PSD Radar

Officer Schotel has been a member of the Hamilton Police Service since 2011 and joined the Canine Unit in 2019. He is partnered with Police Service Dog “Radar” who is a purebred male German Shepherd from Hungary. PSD Radar was born on March 10^th, 2017 and weighs approximately 80lbs. Radar is a dual-purpose dog trained in human scent, narcotics and firearm detection. Together officer Schotel and PSD Radar support members of the Hamilton Police Service with suspect apprehension, locating missing persons and searching for evidence. Radar’s number one priority is to keep the community he serves safe.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Police Service Dog (PSD) Jake. During his 10 years of service, Jake showed unmatched courage and loyalty, always standing ready to protect and serve the Hamilton community. Our thoughts are with Jake’s handler, Constable Kevin Willson and his family. Rest in peace, Jake.
Click here to read Constable Kevin Willson’s tribute to PSD Jake

K9-2 Officer King & PSD Jax

Officer King has been a member of the Hamilton Police Service since 2016 and joined the Canine Unit in 2022. He is partnered with Police Service Dog “Jax” who is a purebred German Shepherd from Germany. Jax was born on July 3^rd, 2022. Jax is cross-trained in human scent, narcotics and firearm detection. Together, Officer King and PSD Jax support members of the Hamilton Police Service in locating missing persons, apprehending criminals and searching for evidence. Jax’s motto is: “You can run but you can’t hide”.

K9-3 Officer Sabatini & PSD Chase

Officer Sabatini has been a member of the Hamilton Police Service since 2003 and joined the Canine Unit in 2009. Officer Sabatini has been partnered with Police Service Dog "Chase" since September of 2016. Chase is a mix breed consisting of both German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois. Chase was born in the Czech Republic on November 14th, 2014. PSD Chase is cross trained in human scent and narcotic detection. Together they support and assist officers in locating persons and apprehending criminals. Chase's purpose is to ensure his "paws uphold the laws", while his message is "not to worry, Chase is on the case".

K9-4 Officer Stone & PSD Gage

Officer Stone has been a member of the Hamilton Police Service since 2008 and joined the Canine Unit in 2021. He is partnered with Police Service Dog “Gage” who is a purebred German Shepherd from Croatia. Gage was born on February 16^th, 2021 which is the same month as his partner, Officer Stone. Gage is cross-trained in human scent as well as explosives detection. Together, Officer Stone and PSD Gage support members of the Hamilton Police Service in locating missing persons, apprehending criminals and searching for evidence. Gage’s motto is: “No better friend, No worse enemy”.