NCJ Number
197771
Journal
Campus Safety Journal Volume: 10 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2002 Pages: 20-23
Date Published
November 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes funding strategies for implementing a canine unit of campus police.
Abstract
The model described in this paper proposes that a canine program can be established with a minimum of start-up expenses through creative networking and planning. The University of Central Florida Canine Unit is based upon this premise and offers its own experiences as an example of the potential for this type of operation. Before the arrival of the first dog, the university's Public Information Officer had developed a thorough media relations campaign that described the canine program as a new form of community/police partnership. Probably the most important component of this program was selecting a trainer for the dog. The article suggests that small agencies "piggy-back" with larger agencies having greater resources. One of the costliest investments in the program can be a vehicle. However, a 12-hour shift plan allows the program to function well with a minimum number of vehicles. Components of kennels within each K-9 car, a necessary expense, can be solicited as donations from businesses or the public or from other programs that no longer need them.