UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Police and Public Safety (UPPS) has added two new K-9 officers to its K-9 unit, enhancing the force’s ability to detect explosives, collect evidence and support the efforts of University Police in keeping the Penn State community safe.
K-9 Bo is a 1-year-old German shepherd, handled by UPPS University Park Officer Dustin Miller, and K-9 Zain is a 2-year-old German shepherd, handled by University Park Officer Josh Quimby. Both canines come from a breeder specializing in law enforcement K-9s.
As an integral part of the University Police force, K-9 officers must undergo an intensive 12-week Pennsylvania State Police Basic Handler Certification training course in explosives detection with their handlers before joining the team. Throughout the course, the canines are trained to identify and locate more than 20 different types of commercial, homemade and military explosives, and to conduct searches for both firearms and shell casings.
German shepherds are known for their strength, energy and exceptional trainability.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bo and Zain into our K-9 unit,” said Quimby. “These canines are incredibly intelligent and have a strong natural instinct to protect. I am confident they will make valuable contributions to the safety and security of the Penn State and surrounding communities during their tenure at UPPS.”
Miller echoed Quimby’s sentiments, adding that “Bo and Zain are not only highly trained, but also have an energetic and playful nature. Their ability to adapt and their strong work ethic will surely make them integral assets to our team.”
Both K-9s completed their training in late June and joined UPPS in early July. The addition of these new police dogs to the force follows the recent retirement of K-9s Wail (handled by Officer Quimby) and Rudie (handled by Officer Miller) earlier this year.
Bo and Zain, along with their handlers, are stationed at University Park but will travel throughout the state to assist other Penn State campus locations and local law enforcement agencies in various search operations. The K-9 unit routinely patrols and provides security services at key University events and facilities and responds to more than 30 emergency calls for service annually, ranging from the investigation of bomb threats at schools and businesses to the provision of security at large venues. The canines are deployed for Penn State home football games and provide sweeps for large events and VIP visits on campus and will oftentimes assist other nearby law enforcement agencies in their investigations.
“The K-9 unit contributes to public safety efforts at University Park and Penn State’s campuses throughout Pennsylvania. Our K-9 unit also routinely assists other law enforcement agencies as needed in emergency situations,” said University Police Lt. Matt White, who supervises the K-9 unit. “Utilizing police dogs is the most efficient and effective way to search large areas for explosives and threats because of their natural physical abilities, combined with their natural instincts and behaviors.”
University Police established a K-9 unit in the 1990s and officers Miller and Quimby have served as K-9 handlers since 2013 and 2015, respectively.
About University Police and Public Safety
Established in 1926 as Campus Patrol, today Penn State University Police and Public Safety is responsible for protecting and serving more than 100,000 Penn State students, employees and visitors at 22 campuses located throughout Pennsylvania.
University Police and Public Safety provides multiple resources and services, including police services, behavioral threat management, Clery compliance, physical security, and emergency management. The department also includes a number of specialty units. To learn more, visit police.psu.edu.