The Wilmette Police Department has added a unique member to its team, a dog named Gizmo. He stands out as one of only four K-9s in Illinois, and among approximately 100 in the United States, with specialized training to detect electronics in criminal investigations. This two-year-old Golden Retriever-Labrador mix joined the department in June, offering both investigative support and comfort to those in distressing situations.

Gizmo’s Dual Role and Background

Sam Walker, a digital forensic analyst and Gizmo’s handler, expressed that the timing of Gizmo’s arrival was ideal for his family, who had been wanting a dog for some time. “My kids wanted a dog and it worked out pretty well,” Walker mentioned. “I do a lot of digital forensics, so it was just a natural fit.” Initially, Gizmo was intended to be a service dog, undergoing obedience training, but did not complete the program due to his strong pulling on the leash.

Gizmo’s journey continued at the Jordan Detection K-9 Electronic Storage Detection program in Indianapolis. This program focuses on training dogs to identify chemical compounds present in electronics. Afterward, Walker had to pass a two-week handler certification course at the National Computer Forensic Institute in Alabama. The Labrador breed, Walker noted, is well-suited for detection tasks thanks to its keen sense of smell.

Capabilities and Impact

Gizmo has shown the ability to locate electronics that store data, like laptops and USB drives. According to the Jordan Detection agency, K-9 units trained in electronics detection can significantly aid law enforcement by recovering evidence swiftly, even in challenging environments. Walker affirmed that Gizmo could identify electronics through scent much faster than human officers could search manually.

Wilmette Chief of Police Michael Robinson highlighted Gizmo’s skill in detecting specific chemicals found in electronic adhesives. “He’s assisted a couple neighboring police agencies with investigations and has been successful in locating evidence for them.” Robinson noted that the United States Secret Service funded all costs related to Gizmo’s procurement, training, and travel, leaving only yearly maintenance expenses of about $2,400 to the village.

Community Engagement and Comfort Role

Besides his investigative duties, Gizmo serves as a comfort dog, reducing anxiety for both officers and the public, including victims and families. Walker said, “If they have someone who’s coming in and they like dogs or are a little bit nervous about talking, I can bring Gizmo in and they will pet him, which relaxes them and lets them talk through whatever they’re dealing with.”

Gizmo will attend various community events throughout the year, allowing residents to meet the K-9. Chief Robinson observed that Gizmo has become a cherished figure at the department, with people already inquiring about his whereabouts.