The University of Toledo has enhanced safety on campus and in the surrounding area with the introduction of Quinty, UT Police Department’s (UTPD) newest officer.

Quinty is a male Belgian Malinois, with explosive-detection training. He is funded through a grant from Ohio Homeland Security, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The grant covers his purchase cost, training fees, veterinary care and other equipment that may be needed.

An event to welcome Quinty will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18 in the UT Transportation Center at 2:30 p.m.

Quinty’s breed is commonly used for tasks that include detection of odors such as explosives, accelerants and narcotics; tracking of humans for suspect apprehension; and search and rescue missions. The United States Secret Service uses the breed to guard the grounds of the White House.

After 10 weeks of training, Quinty is ready to patrol UT alongside his handler, UTPD officer Kevin Zimmerman. A 15-year veteran of UTPD, Zimmerman spent five weeks training with Quinty in Columbus. While his primary duty is on UT’s campus, Quinty is available to assist local law enforcement if called upon.

“We are excited to welcome Quinty to the UT campus,” said UT Police Chief Jeff Newton. “Quinty brings a new dimension to our safety efforts and will be protecting the campus for many years to come.”

Media Coverage
The Blade (Nov. 17, 2014)
WTOL 11 and 13 ABC (Nov. 18, 2014)
The Blade (Nov. 19, 2014)