Module 2 - Law Enforcement Equipment and Police Canines

Constable Randy Schreiner and Police Service Dog Titus, Edmonton Police Service

- Image Source: Edmonton Police Service

In February 1986, Constable Randy Schreiner of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) was selected to become a puppy handler of a potential police service puppy. The puppy was a male German Shepherd named Titus, a very playful and mischievous young dog nicknamed Punchout because he had dark black circles around his eyes. Titus had all the traits needed to become a successful police service dog—intelligence, aggression, strength, good sense of smell, and obedience. In August 1987, Constable Schreiner and Titus began their basic police service dog training.

Titus’ first major suspect apprehension occurred in the first month he began working. Police received a Peeping Tom complaint by phone involving a suspect trespassing in a person’s yard at night and looking in the windows. When Constable Schreiner and Titus arrived at the address of the complainant, Titus picked up the fresh scent of the Peeping Tom suspect. Titus followed the scent and lead Constable Schreiner through a rugged embankment into a residential area. As Titus and Constable Schreiner were tracking through the residential area, they came upon two male suspects trying to break into a house by prying open a window. When the suspects saw Constable Schreiner and Titus, they both ran. Titus was then released and easily grabbed the jacket of one of the suspects who was later arrested.

Titus’ last apprehension occurred on August 27, 1989. Shortly before midnight, an armed robbery was reported at a convenience store in south Edmonton. Two men with knives had entered, demanded money, and left after tying up the clerk. The two suspects jumped into a waiting Fiero sports car and sped off. Within minutes, several patrol cars spotted the suspect vehicle and began pursuing it. The pursuit concluded with the Fiero hitting a dead end on a service road.

After the car stopped, the driver was apprehended immediately. However, the other two occupants fled on foot. One was apprehended immediately, but the third continued to run. Titus, now four years old and his handler, Constable Schreiner, began pursuing the suspect. Titus followed the suspect as he ran across a busy street. Just as Titus was about to jump to apprehend the suspect, both were struck by an oncoming vehicle.

When Constable Schreiner reached Titus, he was motionless on the ground. He checked Titus’ vital signs, but he was not breathing and had only a very faint heartbeat. Another Canine Unit officer arrived on the scene moments later, and Constable Schreiner lifted Titus into the patrol car. As they drove to an Emergency Animal Clinic, Titus’ heart stopped. Shortly after they arrived at the clinic, the veterinarian confirmed resuscitation was useless, and Titus was pronounced dead.

The death of Titus was a major loss to the EPS Canine Unit because he was an excellent police service dog in his prime at only 4 years of age. The suspect Titus was pursuing survived and was arrested. Constable Randy Schreiner was obviously very shaken by the incident. After some time off, he returned to the EPS. However, he began working in another unit and did not return to the Canine Unit.

Related Case Study Questions

How long was Constable Schreiner a puppy handler?
Ans. February 1986 to August 1987 is 18 months

What type of crime was committed by the first suspect apprehended by Titus?
Ans.  Trespassing in a person’s yard at night; looking in the windows of the residence; attempted breaking into a house by prying open a window

At the time of his death, for how many more years was Titus scheduled to serve in the EPS Canine Unit?
Ans.  He had three more years of service. (Dogs usually stay in the Canine Unit for seven years)

What did Constable Schreiner do after the death of his partner, Titus?
Ans.  Constable Schreiner took some time off and then returned to the EPS. However, he began working in another unit and did not return to the Canine Unit.