Detection Dog Spotlight: Alexander Kapsopoulos and K9 Ziva

Each day, Alexander and Ziva conduct proactive sweeps for explosives, respond to security calls, and provide reassurance to the clients they serve. A five-year-old Belgian Malinois, Ziva pairs high drive with precise control—a combination that makes her both approachable and all business when it’s time to work.

“Don’t let her friendly face fool you—Ziva is all business on duty,” Alexander says. “The moment the leash goes on, she locks in with me and we’re ready to get to work as partners.”

From Law Enforcement to K9 Handling

Like all handlers in the Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services network who carry either military or law enforcement backgrounds, Alexander built a career grounded in service and accountability. His law enforcement background spans more than a decade, including time as a Police Sergeant with the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. and as a campus officer at a major university in Philadelphia. Early in his career, he served as an Animal Cruelty Investigator with the New Jersey SPCA, handling cases of neglect, abuse, and illegal dogfighting—many of which overlapped with narcotics and gang activity.  
 

“I’ve always had a passion for animals and for helping people,” he explains. “Becoming a K9 handler was the perfect way to bring those two worlds together. Working with Ziva gives me a real sense of purpose—every day we’re doing something that matters. It’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I couldn’t ask for a more driven partner or a more fulfilling mission.”  

When he learned of an opportunity to join Allied Universal’s Detection Canine Program, Alexander didn’t hesitate. While training with Ziva at one of the company’s many regional training centers, the two quickly bonded with shared drive and energy. The team completed their explosives detection certification through Allied Universal’s nationally recognized program, which uses real explosive compounds and rigorous independent third-party assessors to validate accuracy in the field. “From the start, it felt like a great match—we’re both high-energy and ready to go at a moment’s notice.” 

Protecting with Purpose

Today, Alexander and Ziva cover a wide area across the greater Philadelphia region, supporting a network of financial institutions with both proactive and rapid-response operations. Their daily work reflects the full spectrum of threat mitigation—from preventive sweeps before executive visits to real-time response when concerns arise on site.  

Alexander’s background in law enforcement and crisis intervention brings additional strength to the team. He’s trained to assess risk quickly, de-escalate tense situations, and communicate clearly under pressure. “We might visit five sites in a day, sometimes more,” he says. “Other days, a single call can take several hours as we work through a plan. It’s never the same day twice—that’s what keeps us sharp.” Years of experience in emergency response have honed his ability to read situations and defuse them with steady control. “You learn to stay calm no matter what’s happening,” he adds. “People feed off your energy, and when they see you’re composed, it helps bring the situation down a notch. Having Ziva there helps too—she commands respect just with her presence.”

Ziva’s precision and reliability are the perfect complement. Trained exclusively for explosives detection, she operates with unwavering focus and accuracy. “She loves people and she’s incredibly social, but when it’s time to work, she switches gears instantly,” Alexander says. “You can see her whole posture change. She’s tuned in.” 

Life Beyond the Leash 

Off duty, Alexander’s home life is as full as his workdays. He and his wife are raising four children along with two other dogs: Blue, an Alaskan Husky, and Huggy, a Shepherd-Husky mix. “It’s a full house,” he laughs. “But the dogs all get along great. Ziva’s got a calm side once we’re home—she curls up under the bed like it’s her cave.”

When he’s not working, Alexander enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and photography. “Ziva’s even photogenic,” he says. “She’s a great model when she sits still long enough.”

Through every call, sweep, and long drive across the city, one thing remains constant: the bond between handler and canine. “Ziva gives her all every single day,” Alexander says. “She’s my partner, my backup, and my best teammate. I couldn’t ask for more.”