The Kenosha Police Department started its canine program in 1968 at the at the CPDCTC (Chicago Police Department Canine Training Center). During the infancy of the canine unit, the department used only German Shepherds which were typically imported from Europe. The canine unit was often comprised of only one or two dual-purpose canines until the unit was dissolved in the 1990s due to budgetary concerns. It was revitalized in 2006 with the help of the community and numerous generous donations.