News Summary
The University Police at the University of South Florida has expanded its K-9 unit, adding three new dogs to bolster campus safety. The new recruits include two explosive-detection dogs and a narcotics-detection dog, responding to an increased demand for pre-event safety measures. This strategic enhancement to the K-9 unit not only strengthens public safety but also underscores the vital role of these dogs in maintaining a secure environment for students and staff. The ongoing commitment to campus security is evident with the addition of these trained canines.
Tampa, Florida — The University Police (UP) at the University of South Florida (USF) has significantly expanded its K-9 unit by adding three new dogs, enhancing the department’s capacity to ensure campus safety. The new recruits consist of two explosive-detection dogs, named Scout and Chase, and a narcotics-detection dog, Chief. This strategic move addresses an increasing demand for effective pre-event safety measures on campus.
Scout and Chase are 15-month-old brothers trained in explosive ordinance detection (EOD), while Chief is a 2-year-old black Labrador retriever specializing in narcotics detection. Each dog completed a rigorous four-week training program alongside their handlers in North Carolina this past June. The addition of these canines brings the total number of K-9 dogs in the UP unit to six—four dogs dedicated to explosive detection and two trained in narcotics detection, underscoring the essential role these animals play in maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.
Sergeant Mark Aristizabal, who leads the K-9 unit, expressed the pressing necessity for explosive detection dogs, particularly for conducting pre-event sweeps at various campus gatherings. With this expansion, the UP aims to deter potential threats and enhance public safety. The UP K-9 unit was first established in 2019, when Aristizabal served as an acting lieutenant in special operations. He transitioned to the role of sergeant for the K-9 unit in 2021, reflecting increased growth and professionalism within the unit.
New K-9 handlers have been assigned to the additional dogs. Officer Frances Rodriguez-Soto will partner with Scout, and Officer Robert Gross will work with Chase—both of whom are new to handling K-9s. Meanwhile, Officer Gabriel Escobar will be partnered with Chief. Escobar brings prior experience to the unit, having worked alongside a narcotics detection dog named Krege, who was unfortunately euthanized in March.
The existing trio of K-9 officers includes Corporal Chad Hill with his dog, Alma; Officer Chad Bennett with Emma; and Sergeant Mark Aristizabal with Toro. These established partnerships provide a foundation of support for new handlers as they adapt to their evolving roles. Adapting to a K-9 partner presents challenges, including managing the dog’s health and mood as well as training for different environments. UP K-9 officers take their dogs home, integrating them into their families, which fosters a strong bond between the handler and the canine.
Rodriguez-Soto described working with Scout as a rewarding experience that allows for continuous learning. On the other hand, Gross articulated how handling Chase represents a personal milestone, calling it a “dream come true.” The team dynamic continues to grow as new handlers benefit from mentorship provided by their more experienced colleagues in the unit.
The expansion of the K-9 unit is an essential step in reinforcing campus safety and enhancing the preparedness of the University Police in response to various security challenges. The commitment to maintaining a vigilant and effective K-9 unit symbolizes the ongoing efforts of USF to ensure the safety and well-being of its community.
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- Google Search: University Police K9 unit
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