The University of Alabama Police Department’s newest dog addition this year is a rescue dog named Kenny.
Kenny was adopted by the department in July 2024 from the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter and is trained in obedience.
While he is among seven other dogs in the department, who are trained in explosive detection, Kenny’s role focuses on service to students on an emotional level.
Marsh Wade, an officer for UAPD and Kenny’s handler, said the reaction to Kenny has been very positive.
“People love to see dogs, and a lot of people are missing their own dogs from home,” Wade said. “We often get students who will directly message us asking when Kenny can come by the library.”
Wade’s role is to connect the police department to the community on campus, with initiatives like presentations and events. He said that with the new addition of Kenny, it has been easier to talk with students more often.
“I don’t think students are very excited to walk up to a police officer and make conversation, but when you have a dog, people are more likely to come in and get to know you, and you get to know them,” he said.
Wade and Kenny spend their days trying to visit as many buildings as they can, letting students meet and connect with him. Along with Kenny’s rounds, his social media also plays an important role in helping students, faculty and staff become familiar with him.
Kenny is a pilot dog of a new program the department is investing in, which will offer more community dogs.
The UA police department is not the first one to add a community dog to its force, as other departments across the nation have also been adding dogs similar to Kenny as ways to connect with their communities.
“Having a dog like Kenny is really beneficial for students,” said Mia Giannakoulis, a senior majoring in psychology. “It’s really a fun way for students to take their mind off something and be distracted.”
