The University of Iowa Police Department has added a new K9 to its team.

K9 Bella — a German Shepherd trained in explosives detection, tracking, and article search — will work alongside her handler, Officer Daniel Huggar. The pair were matched earlier this spring, and recently completed their training at Ironheart Training Center in Ottawa, Kan.

K9 Bella brings UIPDs K9 team back up to typical staffing levels following the retirement of K9 Jago at the conclusion of the Fall 2023 football season.

K9 Bella’s expertise is essential to the safety of campus. Her remarkable sense of smell helps law enforcement enhance safety by securing facilities used for special events and aiding in the response to bomb threats, weapons, and suspicious packages. K9 Bella can also help locate people with dementia and lost children.

K9 Bella joins UIPD’s other two K9s (Hogan and Judge) who are trained in explosives detection and tracking. The Canine Unit provides assistance to law enforcement agencies throughout the state upon request.

Officer Huggar has worked for UIPD since March of 2010 as a patrol officer. He is also certified for bike patrol and has historically worked as a field training officer.

UIPD has had a K9 program for more than 15 years.

Learn more about the UIPD K9 Program.

Media Contact: 

Hayley Bruce, Public Information Officer, University of Iowa Police Department