Handler has little kids at home. Wise move.
The couple of K9 deputies I know have kept their dogs, though they do take their dogs home all the time as if they were a pet.
I grew up with an ex K9 WWII German Shephard dog in the home. Great dog but hated mailmen, must have been the uniforms? Dog died in 1956, 5 years later they still would not deliver mail to the home.
You grossly underestimate a german shep’s brains, skills ability to make decisions. After owning three in my life, I believe they are the smartest dog out there. Most dependable companion going. Rest assured in the setting, the dog would accept and love the child. Also? Provide a great guardian for safety.
A very wise move but unfortunate for the dog.
Several factors not mentioned:
First, the dog has been trained to attack so biting would be instinctive under certain conditions.
Second, Rex is now 9 years old and will likely, if not already developing, contract the debilitating condition called hip dysplasia which is prominent in German Shepherds. Once the onset begins, all it would take is a child or adult unknowlingly patting the dog on its hind quarters for the dog to react to the pain and attack the person.
The best home for the dog, if one can be found, is with someone who lives in the country.
My dad had to put down our beloved shepherd right before a July 4 holiday with the family at our cottage up north because the dog's hind quarters were so painful to it, dad feared for the safety of the little kids.
Sounds like the dog might be a four footed lawsuit waiting to happen. If you want an inherently intimidating dog, get a Great Dane. His size will scare potential bad guys, while his basic good nature will endear him to your kids and the delivery people. I know; I have one.