Marcus, a Labrador mix, is a member of the Butler University Police Department (BUPD). Marcus is an EOD K9 (an Explosive Ordinance Detection Bomb Dog). He is used for sweeps of Hinkle Fieldhouse and Clowes Memorial Hall, and other campus facilities, before high-profile events. Since 2010, Butler has been partnering with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to conduct K9 EOD Sweeps before al
l men’s basketball games. It’s established best practice in law enforcement to be proactive with major events. It’s also becoming more and more standard for universities to have their own EOD K9. Indiana University recently purchased their first for the Bloomington campus. The majority of the money to purchase Marcus was donated by an anonymous donor, with additional funds provided by Southeast Family Dental and Butler athletics. Like Blue III, Marcus’ veterinary care is donated by Dr. Kurt Phillips of Mass Ave. Animal Clinic and Holistic Select will provide his food. Marcus was trained and is cared for by BUPD Officer Jason Downs. Before Butler, Downs worked at the New Castle Police Department and started their first K9 Unit. Officer Downs is a certified Dual Purpose Narcotic/Explosive Detector Dog Trainer. He is also a certifying judge through American Working Dogs (Vohne Liche Kennels). Marcus is an essential part of our mission here at BUPD to provide safety and security to students, staff and visitors of the University.
