Wilmette officials swear in Gizmo, the police force’s first detection dog

The Wilmette Police Department’s newest recruit appears to have a nose for the job — and will be working like a dog to prove it.

Gizmo, the department’s newly unleashed electronic detection and comfort dog, was officially sworn into the force Tuesday, June 9, during the Wilmette Village Board’s meeting.

A 2-year-old half Lab, half golden retriever, Gizmo and handler officer Sam Walker are already helping local law enforcement track down digital devices, which can in many cases be critical pieces of evidence in criminal investigations, Wilmette’s Police Chief Michael Robinson told trustees.

According to a village memo from Robinson, Wilmette officers in January of this year presented the case for Gizmo’s services to the village’s Public Safety Committee, a subcommittee of the Village Board, after the department learned of an opportunity to add an electronic detection dog made available through the federal Secret Service.

Walker and Gizmo recently graduated from a Secret Service program in Alabama to get certifications as electronic detection dog and handler, according to the department.

Gizmo is specially trained to assist in locating devices such as USBs, hard drives and laptops as well as aiding in other criminal cases involving digital evidence, Robinson noted, adding that Gizmo will “enhance the department’s ability to investigate technology-based crimes.”

Additionally, Gizmo is also trained in child exploitation investigation and can support child abuse search warrants, per the memo.

A key aspect of Gizmo’s role also includes serving as a comfort and outreach resource.

Wilmette police plan to have Gizmo be a part of public events, community programs, and school and neighborhood engagements. He’ll also support social workers and the department’s community relations office in victim assistance and community engagement efforts. The pooch provides “support, compassion and a calming presence,” Robinson told the board.

“Gizmo’s unique abilities reflect the balance of technology and innovation and human connection that defines modern policing ,and he’s truly an ambassador of good will for the police department and the village,” Robinson said Tuesday night.

According to information from the police department, Gizmo is not trained as a traditional police K9 and will not serve as a patrol dog. He is limited to “the role of investigative assistance in locating digital evidence or as a comfort animal.”

Gizmo’s services with Wilmette police come at no cost to Wilmette, per village documents. Robinson notes in the village memo that ongoing expenses, which include veterinary care and food, are estimated to be approximately $2,200 per year. That amount is expected to be funded through the Village’s seizure funds, he said.

Gizmo is already in action as Robinson said he’s been put to work by a neighboring agency for an electronic search. The department’s new top dog has also “quickly become a favorite” and is already making community appearances at police events, including the recent crossing guard appreciation breakfast.

“We’re excited to have this four-legged officer on the team and look forward to the positive impact he’ll have on our department and throughout the community,” Robinson told trustees.

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