Midlothian Police Chief Apologizes for Threatening to Kill Police Dog

A south suburban police chief who stunned with comments that he would shoot and kill the department’s canine officer offered a public apology at the village’s recent board meeting.

Midlothian Police Chief Harold Kaufman, whose comments captured national attention this week, said he never intended to ”shoot Biko or harm him in any way,” but that he could not offer any excuse for what he uttered during a call to Oak Forest Police dispatch.

Read: Midlothian Police Chief Threatens to Kill Police Dog

He stated that he called the department to seek out information on Biko’s placement after his handler resigned from the department.

“As a trained police dog, he cannot be placed with an untrained handler or kept in the manner of a typical house pet,” Kaufman said. ”The statement about shooting Biko was however admittedly inappropriate and unprofessional. ...

“If I could offer an explanation and excuses for my comments and conduct, that type of deflection would not be appropriate given by my position as chief of police.

“As head of the police department, I recognize that I need to accept responsibility for my actions. ... I am hopeful that everyone can find it within their hearts to accept my sincere and heartfelt apology.”

Biko’s former handler Jon Ryczek said in an email sent to Patch and other news media recently, that Kaufman’s statement was not the first time he had threatened to hurt Biko. When his search for employment elsewhere came to light, Ryczek contends Kaufman insisted he stay, if he didn’t ”want to see Biko lying on his back with all four legs in the air.”

In light of media backlash, Kaufman reassured villagers that Biko is “safe, being well cared for by his new handler who is employed with the Midlothian police department.

“Biko will be back in action in Village of Midlothian soon.”