Israeli Police Deploy Elite German Shepherds to Enhance Law Enforcement Operations
Rav-Samal Rishon (Chief Sergeant) Shahar Berda, 24, has served in the Israeli police for six years and currently commands a unit at the Glilot station in the Yarkon area. She is partnered with Venom, a 35-kilogram German Shepherd from the Czech Republic trained as a police protection dog. Venom accompanies Berda on every shift, actively participating in arrests, suspect pursuits, and locating hidden individuals. Berda notes that Venom’s presence alone often changes suspect behavior, reducing resistance and the need for force, including less use of tasers.
Venom’s keen sense of smell has been instrumental in locating suspects hiding in complex environments such as construction sites, and in tracking stolen property during operations against burglary gangs in the Tel Aviv district. Berda emphasizes the deep bond and mutual understanding between her and Venom, which enhances their effectiveness and safety during police work.
In southern Israel, Chief Sergeant Chaim Suisa, 31, leads the K9 unit of the Southern National Guard, which includes eight dog handlers. Their dogs are trained over six months to specialize in either detection of weapons and drugs or in policing tasks such as suspect apprehension. Recently, their dogs helped locate three M16 rifles and magazines during a raid in Rahat, and participated in a tactical pursuit leading to a suspect’s arrest.
The police K9 teams are valued for their deterrent presence and ability to control volatile situations, often preventing escalation. Venom and Berda’s partnership is unique in Israel, with only six dogs currently operating under this close handler-dog model. Venom lives with Berda, maintaining a clear distinction between work and home life, and is considered by Berda as both a trusted partner and family member.
This specialized use of police dogs highlights their growing role in Israeli law enforcement, providing critical support in crime prevention, suspect control, and community safety.
