Bomb-sniffing dog comes to YSU today

Staff/wire report

COLUMBUS

Three universities are getting bomb-sniffing dogs through a pilot program that officials eventually hope to expand so there are canines at each state university in Ohio.

The dogs are being presented today at Youngstown State University, Tuesday at Ohio State University and Wednesday at Bowling Green State University. The dogs have been trained to detect explosives and will be used only for that purpose, Ohio Department of Public Safety Director John Born said.

The effort is part of Gov. John Kasich’s plans to strengthen school safety for students ranging from preschool to college age, Born said. Beyond responding if there are threats, the dogs could be assets for security sweeps in large-scale events, such as athletic games, visits by dignitaries or concerts.

Some schools already have such dogs, but the goal is to develop a core group of canines and handlers spread throughout the state that will train together, a collaboration meant to build a support network among them.

“There’s just not enough explosives dogs in the state for the need depending on where you are, so this is hopefully the beginning of a more comprehensive effort,” Born said.

It costs more than $12,700 to purchase each animal in the program and pay for its initial training and equipment, and Ohio Homeland Security is covering those costs with existing federal grant money that was either unobligated or repurposed, Born said. Police agencies at the universities had to provide and pay the officers who have been training for weeks as the dogs’ full-time handlers.

Participating universities also have to agree that the dogs will be available for mutual aid in their regions if there is an off-campus need.

YSU Police Chief John Beshara welcomes the arrival of the dog.

“We’re blessed to have this opportunity. Bomb threats happen throughout the country, and it’s a great asset to have in this area.”

Beshara has chosen Patrolman Mark Mehley to be the dog’s handler.