As part of the Patrol Unit, our K-9 team consists of Officer Schack and K-9 Zeus and Officer Schumacher and K-9 Cruise. Zeus, a German Shepherd originally from the Czech Republic, joined the force in 2018 and Cruise, a Golden Retriever, joined the force in 2023. Both dogs are certified by the Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board of Illinois in patrol and narcotics detection specialties.

Training

In addition to the initial eight weeks of training, our K-9 teams continue to train at least eight hours per week to further develop detection and tracking skills. The weekly training maintains their state certification and strengthens the bond between handler and canine.

Benefits of a K-9

The K-9 teams are used for many situations including narcotics detection, article searches for discarded evidence or lost items, building searches, missing person or criminal suspect tracking, and crowd control. In addition to serving Crystal Lake, the K-9 teams assist other local police agencies and communities on calls for service that require the assistance of a K-9’s detection and/or tracking abilities. 

Community Outreach

Crystal Lake’s K-9 teams make public appearances with community groups and conduct skill demonstrations for school children and civic groups. Want to meet K-9 Zeus or Cruise for a community event? Contact Commander Coutre. 


Officer Schack with German Sheppard Zeus in front of squad car
Officer with Golden Retriever Police K-9 Cruise in front of Squad
20210805_190557 K9 Page
Golden Retriever K-9 Cruise with paw on curb