Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, the Jacksonville State University Police Department has officially welcomed a new four-legged officer to its team. Daphne, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever trained in firearms and explosives detection, joined the department in July and now serves alongside Officer Cody Quinn as part of the university’s expanding public safety efforts.
According to Jax State Police Chief Michael Barton, Daphne’s role is especially important given the number of visitors and events hosted on campus each year. The university sees more than 300,000 visitors annually for special events, in addition to its approximately 10,300 students and 1,200 faculty and staff members.
“To support these special events, which are a big part of our planning efforts, as well as the operational efforts of the university police, having a canine resource to do pre-event sweeps and inspections during the event is incredibly important,” Barton said. “The third piece of that is responding to and supporting investigative efforts for suspicious incidents.”
Barton described Daphne as “a very important member of the team,” adding that the department views her “as another officer.”
Officer Cody Quinn completed six weeks of handler training at the Global K9 Academy last summer before Daphne became his full-time partner. The pair primarily works second shift from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on campus and at major university events, while also remaining available for mutual aid requests.
While Daphne is trained to focus during security operations, Quinn said she quickly becomes a favorite among students and staff when off duty.
“She’s all about her toys,” Quinn said. “The faculty, staff, and students love to play with Daphne, throw her ball, and watch her chase it. However, when we’re at an event and she’s actually working, she’s focused on doing her job.”
Quinn compared handling a police canine to caring for “a toddler that’s wild 24/7,” noting Daphne’s energetic personality and strong bond with his family. Daphne lives with Quinn, his wife, daughter, and their two other dogs.
Daphne was trained using the Vapor Wake (VWK9) method developed by Auburn University’s Canine Performance Sciences program. The method allows specially trained dogs to detect person-borne explosives by tracking scent trails in crowded environments.
Before Daphne joined the department, Jax State PD relied on canine resources from the Jacksonville Police Departmentand the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
“Now we’re able to contribute and take ownership and leadership in that,” Barton said. “We’re able to deploy and offer that resource to other surrounding jurisdictions, serving as a good, regional steward and partner.”
Daphne demonstrated her training during football season when she and another canine alerted officers to traces of explosive scents on a charter bus. The investigation later revealed the bus had previously been used for explosives canine training exercises, explaining the residual odor.
The department’s K9 program became possible through partnerships with the Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation and Global K9, which together contributed approximately $40,000 toward the project.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership with both of those entities,” Barton said. “It’s an extremely expensive venture.”
Daphne and the department also recently received a bullet- and knife-resistant vest through a charitable donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.. The vest, valued at approximately $1,800, is designed to provide additional protection while Daphne is on duty.
“The vest protects her,” Barton said. “We want to implement as much officer safety as possible because we look at her as one of us.”
Barton also emphasized the commitment required from both the handler and the handler’s family in operating a successful K9 program.
“That’s not just the officer but his family’s willingness to take this dog and make it a member of their family,” Barton said. “That level of commitment and willingness from the officer and his family is what truly makes this program a success.”
