K-9 Unit
Meet the UC Davis Police Department K-9 Team
The K-9 program has grown significantly in recent years, now proudly featuring a diverse team of K-9s skilled not only in patrol and detection but also support for individuals with PTSD and anxiety. These remarkable animals play a crucial role in both law enforcement and community well-being, offering protection, comfort and emotional support. Together, they go beyond traditional policing to help create a safer, more compassionate environment for the UC Davis community.
K-9 Officer Cali
Meet K-9 Officer Cali, a Labrador Retriever. We are grateful for the generous support from the Davis community, Aggie community, and Davis Sunshine Rotary Club, who helped bring Cali here and launch this program.
In September 2023, at only 5 months old, Cali started her career with the UC Davis Police Department, partnered with Officer Sotelo. After only 11 months, she graduated from training, focusing on mental health and therapy, with specialized training in high-stress situations and PTSD episodes.
Cali’s work at UC Davis has been so successful that the UC Davis Police department was able to double the special K-9 program with K-9 Officer Leia and expand the program to other University of California police departments. Cali is a proud member of the Aggie community and enjoys spreading happiness and love!
K-9 Officer Leia
Meet K-9 Officer Leia, a Bernedoodle with a big heart and an even bigger mission.
Leia is an AKC-certified facility dog through 4 Paws 2 Freedom, an American Kennel Club-certified program. In August 2024, at just 8 weeks old, she began working alongside Officer Connors at the UC Davis Police Department.
Leia is a unique K-9 trained to provide support in high-stress and PTSD-related situations. Using her gentle presence and a few adorable tactics, she helps comfort individuals, ease anxiety, and lift spirits.
She continues to make a meaningful impact across the Aggie community at the Davis campus and loves every opportunity to meet new friends.
K-9 Officer Rono
Meet K-9 Officer Rono, a German Shepherd from the Czech Republic.
In July 2020, Rono was officially sworn into service with the UC Davis Police Department and was initially partnered with Officer Palmer until his retirement in September 2023. Since then, Rono has been partnered with Officer Lee. Trained in handler protection and explosives detection, Rono assists the Yolo County Bomb Squad and other allied protective agencies on an as-needed basis. Rono is primarily assigned to the Patrol Division at the Sacramento Medical Center Campus but also can be seen conducting protective sweeps at the Davis campus and the UC Davis Health campus.
Rono is full of energy and loves spending time with his fellow coworkers as well as meeting members of the community. He shows his affection by giving “hugs,” leaning his body against people when he says hello!
For information, contact Officer Sotelo:
(530) 752-1727 | [email protected]
