Special Operations

K9 UNIT

The Police K-9 Unit supports the University community by conducting explosive security sweeps of high occupancy locations and events. The K-9 and police officer handler form a team that is trained to detect explosive materials carried by or on persons, in vehicles, in buildings as well as outdoor environments.  They often support large sporting events and also respond to bomb threats within the University system. They work with Federal, State and local agencies and provide off campus explosive detection through mutual aid requests.  The K-9 Unit answers other calls for service when not conducting training or K-9 operations.  While the K-9 Units are on patrol, many community members ask questions about the dogs which provides an excellent opportunity to engage the community in discussion.

MOUNTED PATROL UNIT

The Mounted Unit supports the University community by conducting horseback patrols which allow for a more approachable way for community members to interact with police officers.  They are a highly visible crime deterrent while they are on patrol.  The horses can provide the Mounted Officer with an elevated vantage point to see over crowds.  The Mounted Unit is used during large sporting events and other large gatherings such as protests for crowd control and an increased perception of law enforcement presence.  The Mounted Unit also represents the University Police Department at ceremonial events and parades.  On a busy day on campus, a mounted unit can sometimes arrive at a call for service faster since they can navigate directly across the campus areas and they can easily access trails and pathways that vehicles cannot.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UNIT

The Community Engagement and Special Operations Unit supports the University community by conducting bicycle patrols which allow for a more accessible and approachable way for community members to discuss their concerns and ask questions; conducting safety programming like bike rodeos, pedestrian safety presentations, child safety seat clinics, bicycle registrations, safe driving education programs like the dangers of DWI, texting while driving, improper seatbelt use and speeding; addressing issues around campus that have a nexus back to campus like alcohol law violations or nuisance parties; coordinating with CID or Patrol for targeting specific crime problem areas or quality of life issues on campus; and providing limited traffic enforcement support for GHSP Initiatives or areas of citizen traffic complaints.