Police Department

K-9 Unit

Officer Joe Veto’s experience in  handling police dogs comes from the United States Air Force where he was a  Supervisor, Trainer & Handler for 4 years serving in Europe. His police experience spans more than 30 years starting with the City of Cleveland and now currently in his twelfth year with the City of Solon.

 Rex is a 4 year old  Belgian Malinois. Born in Holland, Amsterdam Nov 11, 2002. Rex currently weighs 70 lbs. The Belgian Malinois has a mahogany coat with a black overlay. The breed is loyal and  trustworthy. The Solon  Police Department is very excited to have Rex as the first dual purpose K-9 that can detect narcotics and apprehend criminals.   

Officer Joe Veto and K-9 Rex were brought together by an intense research project which located Rex in Holland. After rigid testing requirements, Rex was then sent to the United States to complete an 8 week pre-training with trainer Jeff Moody of the Dublin Police Department, in Dublin, Ohio. Rex then trained with Patrolman Joe Veto for 5 intense weeks in Columbus, Ohio. The team is currently certified by the State of Ohio Certification Board as a dual purpose team for narcotics and patrol.

Rex’s duties will cover narcotics detection, search of individuals and/or objects, tracking, and police patrol. A brief summary of each specific duty performed by Rex is listed below.

Narcotics Detection: The ability to detect narcotics from a small trace to a bulk amount, such as, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Cocaine and derivatives of these narcotics.
Search: Rex is able to locate evidence, articles or suspects in a large area or within a building. Utilizing Rex in the search process minimizes the risk and safety of other police officers.
Tracking: With Rex’s superb scent process, he has the ability to track and apprehend wanted suspects, specific objects, missing children, and elderly or mentally challenged persons.
Police Patrol: Officer Joe Veto and Rex will continue to perform regular police duties, in addition, be available to backup other patrol officers and to apprehend criminals.
Education: Our goal is to utilize Rex as an educational tool to interact with children and teens within the schools. Rex was chosen specifically for his social abilities.In it’s mission to provide the City of Solon with a safer community, the Solon Police Department presents it’s K-9 Rex.

For further information or donations to the K-9 Fund, please contact Canine Officer Joe Veto.

Solon Police Department
33000 Solon Rd.
Solon, Ohio 44139
440-248-1234