NSW police dog unit mourns death

He has been remembered as a good, keen and driven police dog.

But even Mojo's shining attributes could not shield him from the danger and inherent risks involved with being a canine member of the police force.

Mojo, an almost three-year-old german shepherd, died on Friday night after taking a fall during a search in Sydney.

Mojo suffered significant internal injuries and was rushed to an animal hospital but could not be saved.

Mojo had been searching an Alexandria building site with his handler after police received reports a group of men had gained access to the site.

Dog Unit Superintendent Donna Adney said Mojo, a general purpose police dog, began his active service in November 2012.

"General purpose police dogs are trained primarily to track and or search in order to locate offenders(and) missing persons or property," she said.

"Unfortunately, their job is quite dangerous and involves inherent risks."

Mojo, like all NSW police dogs, lived with his handler.

"The handler and his family are greatly saddened by Police Dog Mojo's premature passing," Supt Adney said.

"To a police dog handler, their dog is their companion, partner, friend, workmate, playmate and a member of the family."

Supt Adney said it was an extremely sad time for the dog unit with a loss that would be felt by all officers.