The Howard County Department of Police was the first county police agency in the State of Maryland to establish a K-9 unit. The department currently has seven K-9s, 6 cross-trained in patrol/narcotics and 1 cross trained in explosives/guns. The department’s K-9 teams play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the police department. The support and resources they provide to the patrol operation is immeasurable. In 2007, the teams were credited with 315 apprehensions. We are proud of this unit and the professionalism with which they serve the citizens of Howard County every day. Currently, the K-9 handlers (police officers) and their partners (the K-9's) are assigned to various platoons within the Operations Command, patrol bureau. To learn more about the individuals who make up this highly specialized and vital component of the police department just click on the photos.

Meet the K-9 Unit

Alex - retired	Hadson	Argo
Qwinto	Ken	Brutus
Ares	Raven

Alex - Retired

K-9 Alex was retired in the middle of 2007 after 7 ½ years of invaluable service for the department. He is now living a life of luxury without all the stresses that come with being a police canine. Pfc. Larry Brian has since transferred from the K-9 unit to aviation.

K-9 Argo

Argo (Badge #2391), a seven year old German Shepherd, came to the department from Hungary. Argo started his training with the department in 2003 when he was 2 years old. He is currently cross-trained for both patrol and drug detection. While assigned to patrol Argo was instrumental in the apprehension of numerous large narcotics seizures. Argo was also able to assist patrol with countless apprehensions for robbery, burglary, and weapons violations.

Argo and his handler, Pfc. Gummo, have recently been assigned to special operations to assume the responsibilities of maintaining the current canines/handlers training and the training of new canines/handlers.

Argo has been instrumental in aiding new handlers with demonstrations on how the Howard County Police Department would like their canine teams to work together and perform in the field.

K-9 Qwinto

Qwinto (Badge #2695) is a titled 4 year old German Shepherd from Holland. Qwinto has a PH1 title and is cross trained for both patrol and drug detection. Qwinto was purchased by the department in March of 2007.

Qwinto and his handler, Pfc. Robert Radnoff, had to undergo extensive training for nine weeks before they were certified to work in the field. Qwinto is Pfc. Radnoff’s second police canine which assisted with a smooth transition from training to patrol. Qwinto and Pfc. Radnoff have already been instrumental in getting numerous drug and gun arrests for patrol. Qwinto and Pfc. Radnoff are currently assigned to night shift patrol and have been doing a great job.

K-9 Ken

Ken (Badge #2696) is a titled 4-year-old German Shepherd from Holland. Ken has an VH1 title. Ken is the newest member of the K-9 unit and was purchased by the department in May of 2007. Ken is cross trained for both patrol and drug detection.

Ken and his handler, Pfc. Jamie Machiesky, had to undergo extensive training for 11 weeks before they were certified to work in the field. Ken is Pfc. Machiesky’s first K-9 partner and has taught Pfc. Machiesky a great deal. Ken and Pfc. Machiesky are currently assigned to day shift patrol where they continue to have a big impact on narcotics arrests.

K-9 Brutus

Brutus (Badge #2694) is a 2 year old German Shepherd from Slovakia. Brutus has a Schutzhund 1 title and is cross trained in patrol and narcotics. Brutus was purchased by the department in March of 2007.

Brutus and his handler, Pfc. Brandon Lapp, had to undergo extensive training for 11 weeks before they were certified to work in the field. Brutus is Pfc. Lapp’s first k-9 partner and they continue to learn from one another. Brutus and Pfc. Lapp hit the streets running as they have managed to apprehend armed bank robbery suspects, escaped prisoners, and save the life of an elderly person who got lost from a group home. Brutus and Pfc. Lapp are currently assigned to dayshift patrol.

K-9 Hadson

Hadson (Badge #2649) is a 4-year-old German Shepherd from Germany. Hadson has a Schutzhund 1 title and is cross-trained in patrol and narcotics. Hadson was purchased by the department in July of 2006.

Hadson and his handler, Pfc. Mike Ensko, had to undergo extensive training for 11 weeks before they were certified to work in the field. Hadson is Pfc. Ensko’s first k-9 partner. Pfc. Ensko is a 20-year veteran with the police department which has aided him in his transition to become a K-9 handler. Hadson and Pfc. Ensko have had the opportunity to assist patrol with numerous large narcotics seizures. These drug seizures have also led to guns being recovered. Hadson and Pfc. Ensko are currently assigned to night shift patrol.

K-9's Ares & Raven

Ares is a 7-year-old German Shepherd from the Czech Republic. Ares has a ZVV3 title and is cross-trained in patrol and narcotics. Ares was purchased by the department in the summer of 2004.

Raven is a 4-year-old Chocolate Lab and is the only member of the unit that is a native of the United States. Raven is cross trained in explosives and guns. Raven was purchased in Indiana by the department with grant money from Homeland Security in 2004.

Pfc. Robert McKnight is the current handler for both Ares and Raven. Pfc. McKnight had to undergo 5 weeks of extensive training in Indiana with Raven and several months later he had to undergo 8 weeks of extensive training here with Ares before he could work in the field. Pfc. McKnight is the only handler that is currently working two dogs for the department. Pfc. McKnight utilizes Raven to perform security sweeps of the county buildings and its infrastructure. Raven is also used to assist patrol with trying to locate guns that may have been used during the commission of a crime and discarded. Pfc. McKnight has had great success utilizing Ares to assist patrol with robbery, burglary, and narcotics arrests. Pfc. McKnight is currently assigned to Special Operations.