SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced today the addition of its newest member to the Canine Section, Xena. The dog, a Labrador retriever mixed with German shorthair pointer, was adopted from the Humane Society of Decatur and Macon County and joins 31 other canines assigned to the Section as full-service and narcotics-only dogs.

The ISP's Canine Section has been in continuous operation since 1982 and traces its origin back to 1963. The breeds of dogs that comprise the section include Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. Dogs designated as narcotics-only receive six weeks of training in narcotics detection in five odors – cannabis, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Full-service canines receive 10 weeks of training in tracking, cadaver search, article search, and apprehension. Each canine is trained and certified by ISP Academy Canine Section personnel.

During 2009, the Canine Unit has made 1,623 criminal arrests, recovered more than $15 million in currency, removed more than $123 million worth of narcotics from Illinois roadways, and seized property valued over $1.9 million. The Section also supports local police agencies on a daily basis, providing services in rural areas where no other agency may be able to afford a canine unit, and responded to 4,234 calls for service. Xena and her handler, Trooper Steve Ent, are assigned to the ISP Training Academy.

Xena, the newest member of the Canine Section

Xena and her handler, Trooper Steve Ent

Xena, a Labrador retriever and German shorthair pointer