Virginia Tech Police K-9 certification will enhance safety on campus, across region
A new K-9 certification will enable the Virginia Tech Police Department (VTPD) to continue to enhance the safety of the campus community as well as the safety of citizens across Virginia.
VTPD Officer Rob Ogle recently earned Virginia State Police Detection Canine Trainer Certification after an extensive three-month apprenticeship program. Ogle is now certified to train K-9 law enforcement teams across the region in the latest single-purpose detection strategies. Ogle was one of three participants to earn the elite certification in June.
Ogle’s participation in the Virginia State Police apprenticeship program is just one example of the close collaboration among the Virginia Tech Police, Virginia State Police, and regional law enforcement agencies.
Throughout the year, the agencies come together for ongoing trainings and to support one another around coverage of large-scale events and emergency response situations. Ogle’s training certification will be a force multiplier for safety and security across all of Southwest Virginia.
“K-9 teams in the region are always ready and willing to jump in to offer support to fellow law enforcement agencies for training opportunities, event coverage, and much more,” Ogle said.
Virginia Tech was the first university police department in the commonwealth to establish a K-9 unit. There are currently three K-9 teams in the department: Officer Rob Ogle and Toro; Officer Jaret Reece and Zuka; and Officer Austin Sumners and Nero.
In addition to performing routine patrol duties on campus, the dogs track suspects and missing people, search for drugs and other chemicals, and locate explosives. They are also called upon to sweep Lane Stadium and other locations before home football games and other special events.
