Michael W. Kmiecik, Owner, Consultant and Trainer

 I am a 24-year law enforcement veteran and 15-year veteran police service and working dog

handler.  I have handled multiple dogs specialized in patrol, narcotic-contraband detection and

human remains detection (including as a mobile field force canine operator).  I have more than

8,000-hours of training in law enforcement and police service dog operations. 

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I am the recipient of numerous awards from the Bartlett (Illinois) Police Department (including Life Saving, Meritorious Service, Honorable Unit/Shift Citations and Officer of the Year), the Cook County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois D.A.R.E. Officer’s Association. 

I am the lead instructor for Sheepdog Guardian Consulting and maintain the most comprehensive canine legal website, “Canine Legal Updates and Opinions” and contributed to K9 COP Magazine, and Police K9 Radio.  I have taught and written about police service and working dog operations, industry standards and legal updates for 8-years.  I am a committee member with the Illinois Tactical Officer’s Association K9 Committee (Subgroup:  Patrol K9) and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Working Group Canine Compliance.

Certified instructor in the following disciplines:

• Use of Force

• Below 100

• Non-Lethal Training Ammunition

• Handcuffing

• MEGITTS XVT

• PPCT/Defensive Tactics

•   Firearms

• Rifle/Carbine

• OC Chemical Spray

• Less Lethal Impact Munitions

• Chemical Munitions

• Distraction Devices

• Instructor Development

• CEW

I have written expert witness opinions for cases in federal and state court.  I am currently working with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board for a Subject Matter Expert content developer for a new Narcotic-contraband legal course initiative through the Executive Institute at Western Illinois University (requirement for all Illinois Narcotic-contraband Detection handlers, both new and renewal qualifications).

I bring a unique perspective to the police service and working dog legal update arena because I am not an attorney, but an active dog handler with a background as a former union chapter president and current designated officer-in-charge.  I have dedicated my career to studying and researching use of force and K9 Legality.