News Summary
The University of South Florida has enhanced its University Police K-9 unit by adding two explosive-detection dogs and one narcotics-detection dog. These dogs, named Scout, Chase, and Chief, have completed extensive training and will play a crucial role in ensuring safety on campus, particularly during large gatherings and events. This growth in the K-9 unit highlights the university’s commitment to adapting to evolving security needs, reflecting the proactive measures taken by Sergeant Mark Aristizabal and his team.
Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida (USF) has expanded its University Police (UP) K-9 unit with the addition of two explosive-detection dogs and one narcotics-detection dog. This enhancement is part of an ongoing effort to bolster campus safety and improve police operations.
The newly recruited K-9s, named Scout, Chase, and Chief, completed a comprehensive four-week training program with their handlers in North Carolina in June. Their integration into the unit marks a significant development in ensuring a secure environment for the USF community.
Sergeant Mark Aristizabal leads the department and has highlighted the critical need for explosive detection dogs in preparing for multi-event sweeps and ensuring the safety of large gatherings at the university. Aristizabal conveyed that these K-9s are not merely pets but vital partners in law enforcement.
With this latest recruitment, the K-9 unit now comprises six dogs, which includes four explosive ordinance detection dogs and two narcotics detection dogs. This growth symbolizes the department’s commitment to maintaining safety and responding effectively to potential threats on campus.
The UP K-9 unit was established in 2019 during Aristizabal’s tenure as an acting lieutenant in special operations. He later ascended to sergeant in charge in 2021, a position he considers the most rewarding in his career. The expansion of the unit reflects the police department’s proactive approach in adapting to the evolving security needs of the university.
Scout and Chase, the newly added explosive-detection dogs, are 15-month-old brothers. Officer Frances Rodriguez-Soto will handle Scout, while Officer Robert Gross will be responsible for Chase. Both officers report positive experiences working with their K-9 partners, highlighting daily learning and the fulfillment that comes from achieving new goals together.
Chief, the K-9 specializing in narcotics detection, is a 2-year-old black Labrador retriever. Officer Gabriel Escobar, who previously worked with USF’s K-9 Krege, will handle Chief. Krege was unfortunately euthanized in March due to unforeseen medical issues, creating a challenging period for Escobar. However, Escobar looks forward to building a new partnership with Chief.
The original trio of K-9s in the unit includes Alma with Corporal Chad Hill, Emma partnered with Officer Chad Bennett, and Toro, handled by Sergeant Aristizabal. Each officer shares a unique bond and camaraderie with their respective dogs, highlighting both the challenges of training and the emotional rewards accompanying their roles.
Aristizabal notes that K-9 officers encounter distinct challenges, including the need to adapt training techniques for dogs at various life stages and address their health needs. These considerations are crucial in maintaining a functional and responsive K-9 unit within the police department.
The addition of Scout, Chase, and Chief is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the safety of the USF community while reinforcing the operational capabilities of the UP. As the university continues to grow and evolve, the K-9 unit plays an essential role in upholding a secure environment for students, staff, and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: USF Police Introduces K9 Dogs
- Wikipedia: K9 Unit
- Crowsnest St. Pete: Snowbird Provides Support to USF Community
- Google Search: USF K9 unit
- News4Jax: AP Top 25 College Football Rankings
- Google Scholar: K9 police
- CBS News: Florida Task Force Sending K9 Search Teams
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Canine unit
- Fox 13 News: Apartment Complex Near USF
- Google News: USF news
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