Sheriff Travis Maze and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce its efforts to obtain an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K-9, made possible through the generous support of local donor Mabel Schumacher. This new addition to our team signifies a major step forward in enhancing our investigative capabilities.
Once acquired, the ESD K-9 will be trained to detect electronic storage devices such as USB drives, SD cards, cell phones, and other forms of digital media. These items are often pivotal in investigations related to Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), cybercrime, stalking, fraud, narcotics, and various other crimes with a digital crime nexus. In addition to its role in evidence detection, the ESD K-9 will also be utilized for community educational programs and serve as emotional support for child victims of sexual and physical abuse, offering comfort during some of their most vulnerable moments.
With technology’s growing role in modern crimes, this K-9 will become an invaluable tool in uncovering evidence that might otherwise remain hidden. Our office has previously collaborated with other agencies utilizing their ESD K-9s and has recognized the immense value of having one dedicated to Jefferson County. We are incredibly grateful to Mabel Schumacher for recognizing this need and generously supporting the launch of our ESD program.
We anticipate integrating the ESD K-9 into the Jefferson County Detective Division by the spring of 2026, following the handler’s completion of a specialized two-week training course. By then, the K-9 will have undergone extensive training and will be fully certified in electronic storage detection.
This advancement places Jefferson County at the forefront of law enforcement innovation within the state. Currently, there are only seven certified ESD K-9s in the State of Wisconsin, with one soon approaching retirement. This canine will be the first of its kind in Jefferson County, setting a precedent in our investigative efforts.
Beyond being an asset to our agency, this K-9 represents a significant resource for our entire community. Thanks to this remarkable donation, our personnel will be better equipped to pursue justice in the digital age and to educate and protect our children from predators. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to introducing this ESD K-9 to the citizens of Jefferson County in the near future.
Editor’s note: Whitewater Police Chief Dan Meyer, responding to this news release, told The Banner “That’s great to hear we’ll have that resource close by. “
