AUSTIN, Texas—Officer Robby, a police dog certified in the fields of explosive detection and patrol, has joined The University of Texas at Austin Police Department (UTPD).
Officer Robby, a two-year old Belgian Malinois, and his handler Officer Jason Taylor recently completed five weeks of training at the world-renowned Global Training Academy in Somerset, Texas. According to Jeff Van Slyke, UTPD chief of police, Officer Robby’s skill set is an important resource to the university’s overall security efforts.
“This campus has several venues for very large events, and Officer Robby will play a big role in security for those public gatherings,” said Van Slyke.
Prior to Officer Robby’s arrival, UTPD contracted with other agencies for canine support.
“With Officer Robby we can have that resource available 24-7,” said Officer Taylor. “It’s much more cost efficient for the university and a valuable tool for the department.”
The safety of students, faculty and staff has always been the priority for UTPD and campus administrators. Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the department has instituted many security measures to continue to assure the safe working and educational environment of the university. Officer Robby’s skills provide an important element to the universityÕs overall security measures, Van Slyke said.
For more information contact: Terry McMahan, UTPD, 512-232-9699, or Rhonda Weldon, Office of Employee and Campus Services, 512-471-4472.
