An inside look at living, studying and working at Cal Poly.

Inside Cal Poly

Original Source: Mustang News



Reporter: Sam Fickett



Date: October 13, 2025



Link: <a href="https://mustangnews.net/mustang-safe-replaces-rave-guardian/">https://mustangnews.net/mustang-safe-replaces-rave-guardian/</a>



Cal Poly launched Mustang Safe, on Sept. 19, to replace the existing campus safety app, Rave Guardian. This change comes after Cal Poly introduced Rave Guardian two years ago in January 2022.&nbsp;



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/police/services/safety-app">the Cal Poly Police Department website</a>, the app provides “a more holistic approach to campus safety and wellbeing.” The website’s report also states Cal Poly students, faculty and staff will need to remove the Rave Guardian app before they can download the Mustang Safe app.



Mustang Safe offers similar features to Rave Guardian, with additional campus-specific integrations. It includes the core safety features that Rave Guardian offered, such as directories to call 911 or the Cal Poly Police Department (CPPD), links to student resources and has location sharing options.&nbsp;

Nighttime photo of an outdoor campus plaza with stairs and overhead lights, showing a faint, ghost-like blur of a person walking due to long-exposure motion.

Cal Poly Launches New Campus Safety App ‘Mustang Safe’ to Replace ‘Rave Guardian’

That small computer in your pocket can get you unlost, turn your high school Spanish into the real thing, hail a cab and even, when absolutely necessary, enable you to have a verbal conversation with another human being.



On top of all the amazing things that a smartphone can do, it can also keep you, and your friends, safe in those not fun moments, when something bad has, or could, happen.



In the spirit of education, we have put together a list of safety features that your iPhone or Android have built in, and how to use them. Hey Siri, call 911.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">iOS</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Automatically call the local emergency number and share your location</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons at the same time until the Emergency Call slider appears.</li>



<li>Drag the Emergency Call slider to call emergency services.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Use a locked iPhone in an emergency</h3>



Use someone else&#8217;s iPhone, to <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209053" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">place an emergency call or view the owner&#8217;s Medical ID without unlocking the phone</a>.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>With the Lock screen showing, swipe up from the bottom edge of the iPhone or press the Home button.</li>



<li>Tap Emergency, then make the call or tap Medical ID.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Text 911</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>In the Messages app on your iPhone, create a new message with 911 in the “To” field.</li>



<li>Type your emergency and send.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hey Siri, call 911</h3>



Siri is a quick, hands-free way to get emergency help.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Set up your Medical ID for first responders</h3>



Emergency workers can view your critical medical information — such as allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts — without unlocking your iPhone or Apple Watch.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How to set up your Medical ID</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Open the Health app and tap the Summary tab.</li>



<li>Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.</li>



<li>Under your profile picture, tap Medical ID.</li>



<li>Tap Edit in the upper-right corner.</li>



<li>To make your Medical ID available from the Lock screen on your iPhone, turn on Show When Locked. In an emergency, this gives information to people who want to help. To share your Medical ID with emergency responders, turn on Share During Emergency Call. When you make a call or send a text to emergency services on your iPhone or Apple Watch, your Medical ID will automatically be shared with emergency services.</li>



<li>Enter health information like your date of birth, allergies, and blood type.</li>



<li>Tap Done.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Request Roadside Assistance via satellite</h3>



Using iPhone 14 or later with iOS 17, you can text for roadside assistance when you&#8217;re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>In Messages, tap the New Message button to start a conversation.</li>



<li>In the address field, type &#8220;Roadside.&#8221; When you&#8217;re off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, you&#8217;ll see the option to request Roadside Assistance via satellite.</li>



<li>Tap &#8220;Roadside Assistance.&#8221;</li>



<li>Follow the onscreen instructions to connect to a satellite and request help.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How to use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14</h3>



Use Emergency SOS via satellite on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models to help connect with emergency services when you’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Android</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Use Emergency SOS to call for help, alert your contacts and record videos</h3>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>On your phone, press the power button five times or more.</li>



<li>Depending on your settings, touch and hold inside the red circle for three seconds or wait for the automatic countdown to start the emergency call.</li>



<li>After you start an emergency call, other emergency actions begin based on your settings.</li>
</ol>



With the Emergency Sharing and video recording turned on, these actions will start while the call is placed to emergency services.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Send your location automatically</h3>



To help responders find you, your phone&#8217;s location can be sent when you dial or text an emergency number, like when you dial 911.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>On your phone, open the Settings app.</li>



<li>Tap Location</li>



<li>Location services</li>



<li>Emergency Location Service or Google Emergency Location Service.</li>



<li>Turn Emergency Location Service or Google Emergency Location Service on or off.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Share your location with your emergency contacts</h3>



Share your location, updates about where you are and your battery percentage with emergency contacts. You must give the Personal Safety app permission to access your location.



To use emergency sharing, you&#8217;ll need:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>At least one emergency contact.</li>



<li>To grant the Safety app &#8220;While in Use&#8221; location permissions.</li>



<li>An internet connection with Location Services turned on.</li>
</ul>



Start emergency sharing



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>On your phone, open the Safety app.</li>



<li>Tap Emergency sharing.</li>



<li>Select who you want to share your real-time location with.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You can also add an optional message.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Tap Share
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You can tap the notification banner to view the details of your &#8220;Emergency sharing.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Schedule a safety check</h3>



Use a safety check when you walk in an unfamiliar area or go to a party. You must grant &#8220;While in Use&#8221; location permissions to the Safety app.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>On your phone, open the Safety app.</li>



<li>Tap Safety check.</li>



<li>Select your Reason and Duration.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>You can set the check at any duration for up to 24 hours.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Tap Next.</li>



<li>Select your contacts.</li>



<li>Tap Start.</li>
</ol>



Mark yourself safe



When it&#8217;s time to check for your safety, you&#8217;ll get an alert for 60 seconds before emergency sharing begins. If you mark yourself safe, the emergency share will be canceled. You can stop the safety check at any time through the notification. If you don&#8217;t choose one of the options in 60 seconds, emergency sharing will begin.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>When you get the notification, choose one of the options:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>I&#8217;m OK</li>



<li>Start sharing now</li>



<li>Call 911</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>If your phone is locked, you might need to unlock it.</li>
</ol>



If your phone turns off or loses signal, the safety check will remain active and will start an emergency share with your last known location at the scheduled check-in time



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Get Crisis Alert</h3>



Opt in to crisis alerts and get notified in the Safety app about public emergencies or local crises, like natural disasters. Crisis alert notifications include a link to the Safety app&#8217;s homepage where you can find extra information about the event.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>On your phone, open the Safety app.</li>



<li>Tap Features Crisis alerts.</li>



<li>Turn Crisis alerts on or off.</li>
</ol>

Hand holding a smartphone with the other hand touching the screen, blurred background, and person wearing a fitness tracker.

How to Use Your Smartphone As A Safety Device

In the ever-evolving landscape of academia, safety remains a top priority. At Cal Poly, the commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment is unwavering. To achieve this goal, Cal Poly has implemented the Risk and Safety Solutions (RSS) system as an integral part of its safety management approach.



Risk and Safety Solutions is the cornerstone of the safety management system employed by Cal Poly. This cutting-edge software is utilized in laboratories and workshops across the campus to conduct hazard assessments, annual inspections, chemical inventory management, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management, and the responsible management of hazardous waste. With RSS, laboratory personnel, including principal investigators, instruction support technicians, lab managers, workshop personnel, delegates, and other designated individuals, can effortlessly identify and manage hazards and risks while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.



The utility of RSS extends to almost all areas across campus. If your work area has not yet been incorporated into RSS, it is crucial to take proactive steps.



Principal investigators, lab managers, or shop area owners bear the responsibility of ensuring that their respective areas are accounted for within RSS. For new users or those requiring assistance, EHS is readily available to provide guidance and resources.



Within RSS, information is centralized and disseminated. This centralized approach ensures consistent data integration across the entire RSS product suite, enhancing user experience and safety management efficiency. Group information created in Profile becomes accessible in various RSS applications, such as Assessment, Inspect, and Chemicals.



Risk and Safety Solutions is a game-changer in the realm of safety management. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive capabilities, RSS empowers individuals across the campus to proactively identify and mitigate risks while fostering a culture of safety compliance. By utilizing the Profile module effectively, the university ensures that shared safety information remains consistent and readily accessible for the well-being of the Cal Poly community.



For recoded training, resources, and guidance, included how to get started, visit the RSS page on the EHS website <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/ehs/rss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://afd.calpoly.edu/ehs/rss/</a>



For more information or questions on RSS reach out <a href="mailto:facilities-cbs@calpoly.edu">facilities-cbs@calpoly.edu</a>.

Woman wearing safety goggles writing in a notebook inside a workshop with tools and machinery.

Enhancing Safety at Cal Poly With Risk & Safety Solutions

As drivers, we can forget the privilege and responsibility of operating a vehicle. Whether driving to and from work or embarking on business trips, safety should always be our top priority. At Cal Poly, the Defensive Driver Safety Program has been implemented to establish rules and regulations on driving privileges for university employees, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of safety on the road.



Protecting ourselves and others is the foremost reason to embrace the program. By adhering to the program&#8217;s guidelines, we can enhance our defensive driving skills and develop a heightened awareness of potential hazards. This training equips us with the ability to anticipate and respond effectively to unexpected situations, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.



When we operate university-owned or rented vehicles, we become responsible for their safety and maintenance. By following the program&#8217;s guidelines, we reduce the risk of accidents, damage, or unnecessary wear and tear on assets. Driving for university business can involve the use of personal vehicles. To ensure that we are adequately covered in case of an accident, the Defensive Driver Safety Program requires measures to protect both us and Cal Poly by clarifying liability and providing the necessary documentation for any insurance claims.



Participating in the Defensive Driver Training provided by the program offers us valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. By enhancing our driving skills and knowledge, we become more confident and proficient drivers, capable of handling various situations with ease. These skills can be applied in our professional endeavors and personal lives, always ensuring our safety on the road.



Embracing the Defensive Driver Safety Program is not just a requirement but a commitment to prioritizing safety on the road. By adhering to the program&#8217;s guidelines, we create a secure driving environment for ourselves and others. Through training, compliance with regulations, and responsible behavior behind the wheel, we elevate our driving skills, protect University assets, and fulfill our obligations as responsible members of our Cal Poly community. To sign up or learn more about the program, visit <a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/risk-management/driver-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://afd.calpoly.edu/risk-management/driver-safety/</a>.

White utility truck with ladders on top driving on a street, followed by a red car, trees and buildings in background.

Ensuring Safety Behind the Wheel

The beginning of the year marks Stalking Action Month, a time in January dedicated to educating the campus community about stalking behaviors and preventing these harmful behaviors. Cal Poly’s Safer aims to characterize stalking and highlight effective communication.



The theme of this year’s Stalking Action Month is “Love, Boundaries,” focusing on how stalking is a violation of boundaries and how everyone deserves to have their boundaries respected.



To create positive action focused on stalking, Safer is hosting multiple informational events including weekly informational booths. In addition, Safer is presenting workshops like the “Other Side of Boundaries” workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. and the “How to Support a Survivor” workshop on Monday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. Safer is also offering other educational events such as a Trivia Brunch on Jan. 21, a Craft Circle on Jan. 26 and their second annual Night Relay on Jan. 27.



A main goal of Safer is to continually educate and provide resources to the campus community regarding stalking. According to Cal Poly’s 2020 Campus Survey on Sexual Violence, 18% of those who took the survey reported experiencing stalking behaviors and only 32% of these respondents labeled this behavior as “stalking.” To Safer, this indicates many people in the community do not recognize these behaviors and don’t understand how or when to reach out for support, making this month more than vital.



Safer has been hosting Stalking Action Month since 2016 and is the most recent addition to its quarterly educational programs. Initially called Stalking Awareness Month, it was started by the National Center for Victims of Crime in 2003. In 2021, Safer rebranded the month to Stalking Action Month as a way to move beyond awareness of these present issues and work to create action and prevent stalking.



To learn more about Safer’s Stalking Action Month events, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://safer.calpoly.edu/jansam">https://safer.calpoly.edu/jansam</a>.

Map background with speech bubbles reading "Love, Boundaries" and text "January 2022 Stalking Action Month" and Cal Poly logo.

Safer Takes Action with Stalking Action Month

As summer heats up and folks take time off to unwind and travel, more than likely a smartphone or other device will be along to help document with photos or guide with directions.



Whether it’s travel for business or pleasure, ITS has some simple tips on how to unplug in a cyber-safe way.



Quick note if you are traveling with business equipment:&nbsp;It’s best that you leave your work devices behind; however, if you can’t leave home without them, ensure that you are following your organization’s policies and procedures for protecting the devices and the information they contain while traveling.



Before You Travel



Update your devices.&nbsp;Updating devices will fix security flaws and help keep you protected. Whether it’s your computer, smartphone or gaming device, be sure to update your operating system, applications, antivirus and malware software, and the like. If you haven’t already turned on automatic updates, now is a good time to consider doing so.



Back up your devices. Back up information such as contacts, financial data, photos, videos and other data in case a device is compromised during travel, and you have to reset it to factory settings.



Lock your device. Make sure to lock your device when you are not using it. Set your devices to lock after a period of time and use strong PINs and passwords.



Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Add an extra layer of protection so that the only person who has access to your account is you. For more information on MFA, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cisa.gov/mfa">https://www.cisa.gov/mfa</a>.



During Your Travel



Guard your devices. Your devices are valuable, and your sensitive information is as well. Always keep your devices close at hand and secure in taxis, security checkpoints, airplanes, rentals homes and hotel rooms.



Securely recharge. Never plug your phone into a USB public charging station, such as those in the airport or in hotel room lamp and clock radio inputs, as these cannot be trusted. Malicious individuals can hijack your session or install malware on your device through those seemingly harmless means. Always connect using your own power adapter connected to a power outlet.



Delete data from your rental car. If you connect your phone to a rental car for navigation or other purpose, be sure to securely remove the device so that other individuals do not have access to your address book, device name, text messages (hands-free calling), or other sensitive information.



Avoid public Wi-Fi. While public networks are convenient, they are a security risk. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi unless absolutely necessary. Instead, consider using your phone carrier’s internet connection or use your phone as a personal hotspot if your plan allows.



If you do need to connect to public Wi-Fi, verify with the establishment the name of the network and use a virtual private network (VPN), software which will encrypt your internet traffic and prevent others from stealing your data. Verifying the network name is important. Oftentimes, malicious individuals create similar connection points with a slight misspelling, hoping you will instead connect to their network.



Turn off auto-connect. While auto-connect is enabled, devices will seek out and connect to available networks or Bluetooth devices. This could allow cyber criminals to access your device without you knowing it. Disable auto-connect, Bluetooth connectivity, and near-field communication (NFC) like airdrop so that you can select the network and control the connection.



Limit what you share. Limit the information you share on social media while on vacation and consider posting updates about your trip after you return. Revealing too much information while away can put you and others at risk. Criminals can gain useful information from such posts like knowing you are away from your home. Scammers may even attempt to contact your family and friends with a variety of scam tactics. Additionally, consider setting your social media accounts to only allow friends to view your posts.



Avoid the use of public computers. Public computers such as hotel business centers and internet cafes are often poorly managed and provide minimal security protection for users. If you must use a public computer, do not enter any username or password on the computer and do not connect or transfer data via thumb drive/USB.



When You Return Home



Shred your boarding pass and luggage tag. Scannable codes on boarding passes and luggage tags include full name, date of birth, and passenger name record. These can also contain sensitive data from your airline record like passport number, phone number, email address and other information that you wouldn’t want to share publicly. For this same reason, never post boarding passes on social media.



Scan for virus and malware. It’s best to update your security software when you return home and scan for viruses and malware to be sure your device has not been compromised while you were away.



(Tips courtesy of MS-ISAC; from the desk of Karen Sorady, MS-ISAC Vice President of Member Engagement)



For additional resources, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://calpoly.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CPKB/pages/17858844/Travel+Safely+with+Devices+and+Connect+to+the+Internet">Travel Safely with Devices and Connect to the Internet</a>.

Hands holding and tapping a smartphone with a black screen, with a blurred outdoor background.

Cyber-Safe Summer Travel

Join Safer for Sexual Assault Action Month (SAAM) and the program’s 25th&nbsp;Anniversary recognition at the month’s culminating event, Take Back the Night, an international event with the mission to end sexual violence and domestic violence. This year the event will take place on Thursday, April 28 in the University Union Plaza from 6 to 8 p.m. Please join us for a Survivor Speakout, a Resource Fair, survivor healing corners, art installations, a solidarity march, live music with Couch Dog, and a candlelight vigil. Admission is free and the first 100 students will get free food!



Take Back the Night is an international movement to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives. The movement aims to amplify survivor’s voices to empower, inspire and create solidarity among&nbsp;both survivors and allies.



Safer is&nbsp;Cal Poly’s primary&nbsp;confidential&nbsp;resource for addressing&nbsp;sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation and harassment.&nbsp;It offers holistic services through prevention education and survivor advocacy to the entire campus community.



Cal Poly Police Department supports Safer and through its longstanding partnership continues to provide assistance and security to survivors in our community.



Take Back the Night is a great way to show support for survivors. We hope that you will come round out Sexual Assault Action Month by attending and supporting this event! For more information please visit,&nbsp;<a href="https://safer.calpoly.edu/saam">https://safer.calpoly.edu/saam</a>

Take Back The Night text over a crescent moon and building outline on a dark blue gradient background.

Take Back the Night with Safer

Central to Cal Poly is the well-known “Learn by Doing” philosophy that allows students to acquire knowledge and skills through active engagement and self-reflection in the classroom, lab and in the field. Such a hands-on learning environment can produce a lot of student success but also requires a great deal of safety and precaution.



Enter&nbsp;<a href="https://afd.calpoly.edu/ehs/">Environmental Health and Safety</a>&nbsp;(EHS). This specialized group works hard to create a safe and healthful workplace so that faculty members can provide an environment for students to learn interactively. Alas, constructing such a dynamic and knowledgeable department is not so easy. With time and dedication from leaders like David Korpan, the director of EHS, the department was able to hire new specialists that will bring their unique expertise to the Cal Poly campus.



Industrial Hygiene Program specialist Aubrey Arain, pictured above comes to us all the way from Kalamazoo, Michigan where she previously worked at Oakland University. Arain specializes in occupational health and will be focusing on industrial hygiene programs including laboratory safety, chemical safety, hearing conservation, radiation safety, ergonomics, and biohazard safety. She is looking forward to serving Cal Poly’s wonderful community and is excited about the amazing hiking opportunities in the SLO area!



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/fea80c0868fb9ab8262301d99ec8201532788cbd-250x329.jpg?w=675&amp;h=888&amp;fit=crop" alt="Melonee Cruse - Safety Specialist"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Melonee Cruse &#8211; Safety Specialist</figcaption></figure>



Safety Specialist Melonee Cruse joined the team during the pandemic. An expert in university safety with a focus is on fall protection, control of hazardous energy and confined space. She’s responsible for compliance with OSHA safety programs and conducting reviews and audits of university construction sites. Other OSHA programs she oversees include forklift safety, hot work permits, heat illness, laser safety and construction safety. Cruse previously worked at Mt. San Antonio College, Harvey Mudd College and USC.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/c34005f3975310e75ffa67313ac6bac84c2a582b-250x349.jpg?w=675&amp;h=942&amp;fit=crop" alt="Erin Winett - Environmental Protection Program Specialist"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Erin Winett &#8211; Environmental Protection Program Specialist</figcaption></figure>



Erin Winett previously lived in Southern California but just moved to SLO to be near family and enjoy the Central Coast. She recently joined EHS as the Environmental Protection Program specialist in which she supports the university’s Environmental Compliance Programs related to hazardous waste, wastewater discharges and air emissions. Prior to her role at Cal Poly, Winett worked for HTS Environmental Services/Triumvirate Environmental Services, as an EHS director for their California locations. She is excited for the new challenges and opportunities that working at a university will produce.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/vm929t16/production/35038a592a857a1fafb3228ddeb5336fbdb9501e-250x341.jpg?w=675&amp;h=921&amp;fit=crop" alt="Mike Landvog - Fire Safety Specialist"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mike Landvog &#8211; Fire Safety Specialist</figcaption></figure>



Mike Landvogt joined EHS in February as the university’s fire safety specialist. He lives in Santa Maria and previously worked at UC Santa Barbara as the campus deputy fire marshal. He will work on fire prevention activities, including the testing and repair of the campus fire alarms and sprinkler systems, implementing fire code requirements administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and conducting fire drills.



These new staff members will work to create and develop written Environmental Health and Safety Programs to help the campus community be more aware of hazards and safety precautions. These programs will provide the necessary tools and information to operate safely in the workplace or classroom. Each program will also have metrics that can easily be collected and understood to help identify problems and risks.



EHS ultimately strives to offer collaborative customer service that in turn can help the campus achieve its goals. With these new staff and developed programs safety will become easier and more digestible for everyone.

Woman wearing safety glasses and mask operating a device inside a laboratory fume hood.

New Staff Increase EHS Offerings

Mustangs, meet Zeus and Valor. These lovable German Shepherds might look like your average dogs, but they maintain a big job on campus as the official Cal Poly Police Department K9s. Now, let’s give our furry protectors some recognition!



Zeus, a fluffy five-year-old K9, has been with Cal Poly since 2018. He specializes in patrol, weapon detection and hard surface tracking.&nbsp;Officer Stephanie Pipan has been Zeus’ partner in crime (pun intended) since the beginning. Zeus was picked specifically for Officer Pipan, making the two very close partners.



Next is Valor who has been with Cal Poly since 2020. He is now three years old and has been specifically trained in patrol and narcotics detection. Officer Chad Reiley is Valor’s handler. Valor and Officer Reiley work and train together almost every day!



Zeus and Valor’s main responsibilities include patrolling Cal Poly to keep dangerous items such as narcotics and weapons off the campus.&nbsp;In addition to this they also perform detection sweeps before big events to keep the campus community safe prior to large group gatherings such as graduation and concerts.



Probably the most valuable thing about these police dogs is their highly sensitive sense of smell. A dog’s sniff can detect much more than a human nose can, which is why these dogs are trained to smell narcotics, weapons and even missing people. Often times these K9s can deter criminal activity just&nbsp;by their presence.



Together these pairs have helped protect the Cal Poly community for years. Sometimes you can find the K9s and their handlers on their regular patrols around campus where they meet a lot of students and faculty. Not only do they serve as means of protection, but they also help connect the police with the community.&nbsp;The dogs are very friendly and enjoy meeting folks when walking in public, at events or when someone just wants to meet them because they are having a bad day.



Officer Pipan believes that every police department should have a K9 unit and at Cal Poly we are lucky to have two awesome K9s like Zeus and Valor. I mean come on, look at those cute faces!

Two German Shepherd police dogs wearing vests sitting on a black and white police university car on grass.

Tag: Safety