USU Police Welcome New K-9 Tasked With Critical Incident, Crisis Response and Community Engagement

USU Police has a new officer on duty: a white English Labrador puppy called Sage. Named in an homage to USU’s anthem, The Scotsman, she’s taking on an entirely new role within the police department — that of Critical Incident, Crisis Response and Community Engagement K-9.

For critical incidents and crisis responses, Sage’s job is to help officers calm survivors of traumatic events and allow them to better communicate critical information as it relates to an investigation that can help in solving a crime.

“We pride ourselves on trauma-informed questioning here, and being delicate on how we respond to those who are victims of crimes,” says Jason Brei, USU chief of police. “Sage helps bridge that gap at another level that allows emotions to be reduced and allows communication to increase.”

According to Brei, Sage can help even those indirectly effected by a traumatic event, like those who witness a crime.

“Having her present to just relieve even just a little bit of that can help reset people,” Brei says, “and get them back to a more livable place for themselves.”

While Sage has a few more trainings to complete and bit of growing left to do to be fully equipped for that part of her role, she's already fitting in just fine with the other half of her job, community engagement. Accompanied by her handler, USU Police Sgt. Shane Nebeker, she just has to be herself, visit with people, and meet fellow members of the Aggie Family.

“I’ve had her in the student center a little bit, and as I’m walking through, you kinda get looks from people,” Nebeker said, "and they're like looking at me and the puppy, and really the focus is on her, which has been awesome. And the minute I say ‘Hey do you want to meet?’ or ‘Do you want to say hi?’ you can just see like this almost weight release. Next thing we know they’re interacting with me and they’re interacting with her, which has been awesome. So it’s super positive.”

For Nebeker, the opportunity to be Sage’s handler was something he was excited for.

“I thought this is a real chance to make a difference,” Nebeker said. “That really was my goal. You know, if we have a chance to break down some barriers, and make a difference in somebody’s life, or even in somebody’s day, then that was really my motivation.”

Sage will be on the force for quite some time yet, potentially most her life, according to Brei. So if you haven’t met her yet, there’ll be plenty of chances to in the future.