News and Notices

DPS Welcomes Two New Furry Four-legged Staff to Expand Its Service to the CSUN Community!

Bertie, a German Shorthaired Pointer, will join the established K9 Unit, replacing Daisy, who retired last year. Bertie was made possible by donated funds from the National Police Dog Foundation; no state funds were used. Bertie will continue the mission in creating a safer campus by specializing in explosives detection. Bertie and her new handler, Cpl. Jerome Basal, completed a month-long POST-certified training in explosives ordnance detection and has been on patrol on campus since February 12th. As the K9 Unit has done since 2005, the team will continue to serve as a visible, approachable representative of the Department of Police Services, fostering trust and open communication with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Sunny, a Golden Retriever, will join the department in early summer as its very first Therapy Dog! With a community-oriented policing philosophy, Sunny and his handler will emphasizes relationship-building and campus wellness through proactive engagement and outreach. The therapy dog program supports trust, approachability, and emotional well-being across campus while complementing the core law enforcement mission of the Department of Police Services. You will find Sunny participating in campus outreach events such as student orientations, residence hall programs, finals-week wellness initiatives, mental health awareness events, and community engagement activities, as well as support de-escalation and emotional support efforts during incidents or high-stress situations.

We look forward to formally debuting Bertie and Sunny to the campus community at an “all paws on deck” event later this academic year. In the meantime, if you see Bertie or Sunny on campus, we welcome you to greet them and talk with their handlers about their important impact on campus.