Kozak, Electronic Detection Canine
E.O.W. 9/18/2024
Kozak, the Division of Criminal Investigation’s (DCI) first ever Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) Canine began his training in public service in the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) program. ICAN uses inmates from Indiana Correctional facilities to train and place assistance service dogs in homes with disabled individuals. During this time, Kozak was recognized to possess characteristics sought in law enforcement scent detection canines. Kozak was evaluated by Jordan Detection and subsequently was moved to the Jordan Detection ESD Canine Program. Kozak was identified as an ideal canine for ESD detection and began his training in the Spring of 2018.
An Indiana based non-profit organization, Neighborhood Electronic Detection K-9 Inc., funded Kozak’s ESD training and selected DCI as Kozak’s home agency.
DCI Special Agent in Charge Tamara Taubel was selected to be the first ESD Canine handler in the state of Wisconsin. In August of 2018, Special Agent in Charge Taubel joined Kozak at the Jordan Detection training facility in Indiana where they were trained by Todd Jordan. Upon completion of their training, they were certified as an ESD Canine team. Special Agent in Charge Taubel and Kozak immediately began their work in the state of Wisconsin. Kozak and Special Agent in Charge Taubel continued to create a bond as they reside, worked, and trained together daily. Special Agent in Charge Taubel’s primary assignment was to the Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Kozak was utilized to locate vital evidence in these types of investigations. In general, law enforcement has seen a shift in more electronic storage devices being pertinent in all types of crimes. As a result, Special Agent in Charge Taubel and Kozak were deployed and successfully located electronic storage devices of evidentiary value in ICAC, narcotic, homicide, missing person, invasion of privacy, and financial investigations throughout the state of Wisconsin. Kozak had responded at the request of Minnesota law enforcement agencies to assist with their investigations, due to Kozak being the only ESD Canine in the region at the time.
Did You Know?
In addition to Kozak’s primary role as an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) canine, he also acted as a comfort canine for victimized children. In this capacity, Kozak would remain with the child not only for interviews, but also through the court process.
Kozak was named in honor of Alicia Kozakiewicz, who is a child kidnapping survivor and renowned advocate for child internet safety and the namesake for Wisconsin’s “Alicia’s Law,” enacted in 2016. Learn more about “Alicia’s Law” and her continued efforts to protect children.