Paw patrol: new UAB Police K-9 officer thinks she’s always on duty

In recent years, the UAB Police Department implemented procedures and policies to increase campus safety. This includes new technologies, partnering with UAB Medicine Emergency Management to create a security operations center, and adding staff.

One new UAB officer is particularly focused on keeping the medical campus safe: K-9 officer Dolly, an energetic, ever-alert, and keenly intelligent German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) who patrols the hospitals and clinics.

A certified officer

Dolly completed certified K-9 officer training in November 2024 in Hamilton County, Tenn., along with her handler and partner, Officer Marvin Henderson. Dolly may be seen anywhere on the medical campus, sometimes giving the appearance by her movements that she’s an excited pup looking for fun. Henderson knows otherwise.

“Dolly is what’s known as a ‘high-drive’ working dog,” Henderson said. “She’s trained to detect specific odors and scents, and that bouncing from side to side she does while I’m walking with her is how she diligently seeks those scents. Dolly is highly motivated, so her hunting behavior is basically nonstop.”

For security reasons, the department does not publicly share exactly what Dolly is seeking while she’s on patrol. Henderson explains that, while Dolly is trained to detect various things that might pose a danger, the duo’s basic role is to provide an extra measure of security and safety on campus. Dolly is instinctively driven for her job.

“In training, it was clear that Dolly had the natural inclinations common to the GSP breed.,” Henderson said. “She instinctively goes on alert and on point when she detects what she’s taught to look for. So we utilized her natural gifts as part of the training and didn’t deviate from that instinct-guided behavior. Another typical Pointer trait is that they might love their job too much. Once we’re off duty, I have to take her for a run or hike in my neighborhood, at least a mile or two, before she will settle all the way down. But Dolly can switch the work energy on and off, and once she winds down, she’s a very affectionate, sweet-natured dog and a joy to be with.”

Protect and serve

Dolly is strikingly beautiful, so people are naturally eager to meet and pet her, but that’s off limits for a working police dog. She may look like the ideal pet, but as with her human colleagues, Dolly’s role is to protect and serve.

“We get stopped a lot by curious observers, because it’s normal for people to think something’s going on when they see a police officer and a dog arrive on the scene,” Henderson said. “I’m happy to stop and engage with the public and answer any questions they may have, but Dolly remains hands-off as part of her on-duty responsibilities. No police officer should be distracted from duty, and Dolly is definitely a certified officer.”

UAB Police Chief and Associate Vice President of Public Safety Daryl Green said bringing Dolly on board was a proactive measure for enhancing campus security.

“The diverse capabilities of our K-9 unit, exemplified by Dolly, are an indispensable asset in our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the university and health system campus for all members of our community,” Green said. “Both Officer Henderson and Dolly completed rigorous K-9 training and hold current certifications. Their presence underscores the university’s dedication to providing the most comprehensive public safety possible. We are proud to have them as integral members of our department.”

Dream job

Henderson sees the partnership as the dream job he’s always wanted.

“This job is tremendously satisfying for me, especially since I come from a family that always had dogs,” he said. “Growing up, I used to tell my dad that I wanted to do K-9 work one day. Then this opportunity came along to work with this amazing and dedicated dog who impresses me every day with her intelligence and commitment. I can safely say that this is my dream job. Dolly’s behavior and expressive ways make me suspect she feels the same way.”