Prior to the full implementation of the program, the UCFPD called a press conference to introduce its first dog to the public and provide information on the purpose of the canine program. The program did not receive any criticism, and a strong relationship was begun between the department and contacts in the media. The purpose of the canine unit was presented as a supplement to the traditional campus police model for the detection of explosives or narcotics. Probably the most important component of the program is the selection of a trainer and a handler for the dogs. UCFPD had a strong, positive relationship with many neighboring police departments, and some offered to train the dogs at no cost. Moreover, by cooperating with other agencies, handlers were exposed to varied training methods. UCFPD focused on donation dogs that had the necessary skills and motivation for the intended tasks. This involved searching newspaper ads and the Internet and contacting animal control agencies as well as humane societies within the region. A number of dogs were tested before one was selected from a rescue shelter. The dog has completed tracking training and has begun training in narcotics detection. One of the university's fraternities ultimately paid for the dog ($175). The selection of the dog should ultimately be made by the person who will be training the dog. By adopting a 12-hour shift for the canine unit, it was possible to assign two patrol cars from the existing fleet to be take-home cars for the dog handlers. Another cost factor was that of kennels in canine patrol cars to protect the dogs from injury. Upon soliciting donations from law enforcement agencies throughout the State, two kennels were donated and installed in the two canine patrol vehicles. A program evaluation found that the presence of the K-9 unit has been positively received by students as a form of community policing. Seventy percent of the students surveyed believe that the presence of the unit could deter drug use on campus. The UCFPD K-9 program shows that an effective program can be established at minimal cost. 7 notes