College Park, MD – The University of Maryland Police Department is proud to announce the inception of its Explosive Detection K9 program. Four UMPD handler-K9 pairs have completed a rigorous four month training course and are graduating Friday, August 10th.
The K9-handler teams are trained exclusively for explosive detection purposes and will be deployed on and around the UMD College Park campus and will also serve a critical function at special events such as athletic events, dignitary visits, and any event likely to draw large numbers of attendees.
UMPD is the first university police department to employ canines which can detect and track person-borne explosive substances.
The officers and canines of the Explosive Detection K9 unit graduating are:
MPO Michael Balagtas – “Chief”
MPO John Fitzgerald – “Pink”
MPO Evan McCann – “Sampson”
MPO Matthew Suthard – “Jimbo”
“UMPD is committed to the safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors to our University. The addition of our K-9 program enhances our ability to locate and isolate potential hazards or threats toward the University community” – David B. Mitchell, Chief of Police.
For additional information, please contact:
Univ. of MD PD: Major Christopher Jagoe at 301-405-5739
DHS: Mr. Don Roberts (DHS) at 202-254-5850
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