NEWARK, Del. — The University of Delaware Police Department (UDPD) has introduced its first facility dog to strengthen community trust and enhance support services. Patti, a 17‑month‑old yellow Labrador retriever, joined the department this summer and is assigned to the Community Resource Unit (CRU), which connects policing with community interaction and education.
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Patti supports officer wellness, engages with students and visitors, and assists during critical incidents. The department plans to integrate her into daily operations at headquarters and across campus to increase approachability, improve victim and witness support, and reinforce community policing.
Patti’s Training and Background
Patti is trained to respond to 90 verbal commands and has logged more than 10,000 socialization hours. She was developed through Puppies Behind Bars, a New York–based program that prepares service dogs for veterans and first responders and places facility dogs with police departments.
Incarcerated individuals perform the day‑to‑day training under the supervision of professional instructors. The program has operated for more than 30 years and has trained more than 4,000 dogs.
Corporal Jamel Howard serves as Patti’s handler and co‑leads the Community Resource Unit. After an application and interview process, he completed a two‑week residency in New York to determine handler‑dog compatibility. During that period, he and Patti trained in public settings, including restaurants and outdoor environments.
Community Engagement and Victim Support
UDPD leadership cites Patti as an asset for community relations and officer support. Chief Patrick Ogden said the initiative is an innovative measure that advances policing on campus and in UD’s surrounding community by improving approachability and strengthening services for officers, victims, and witnesses.
Photo courtesy UDPD
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According to Howard, Patti’s presence can reduce anxiety in stressful situations and encourage cooperation. Witnesses and victims may be more comfortable recounting traumatic events when a trained facility dog is present. Patti also serves as a connector in public settings, encouraging individuals who might not approach an officer to initiate contact with the department.
Facility Dog’s Daily Deployment and Campus Presence
Patti works from the CRU office at UDPD headquarters, where staff interact with her during the day. She will be deployed to campus events, community meetings, and critical incident responses as needed. The department expects Patti to be a regular presence during the academic year. Members of the public can follow her activities on Instagram at @k9_patti_udelpd.
