University of Arkansas Police Department

06/19/2026

Today, we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, a day honoring freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

06/18/2026

We had a great time spending the morning with the Young Writers group today! Their creative and journalistic questions made for an enjoyable visit. K9 Raven was a crowd favorite and loved all the attention. We were also excited to hear so many students asking about K9 Rickie and how he’s enjoying retirement. Thank you for stopping by!

06/16/2026

After nearly nine years of dedicated service, countless hours of training, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others, K9 Rickie is officially retiring.

For almost a decade, Rickie has been far more than a police dog; he has been a partner, protector, and invaluable asset to the University of Arkansas Police Department. Alongside Sgt. Barber, Rickie assisted numerous local, state, and federal agencies, including the DEA, playing a critical role in keeping our campus and surrounding communities safe.

Among his many accomplishments, Rickie became the first law enforcement K9 in Arkansas certified to detect fentanyl, setting a new standard for K9 teams across the state. His drive, reliability, and eagerness to work made him a trusted resource whenever he was called upon.

"Rickie was an amazing partner," said Sgt. Barber. "While he often came across as tough and intimidating, he was a sweetheart to so many people. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for his years of service, loyalty, and companionship. Things won’t be the same without him around. It’s going to be strange not hearing him bark at everything from the back of my car."

Rickie's impact cannot be measured simply by certifications, deployments, or statistics. It can be seen in the officers he worked alongside, the agencies he assisted, and the community he helped protect.

Today, the "old man" gets to trade patrol routines for naps, training days for relaxation, and long shifts for a well-deserved retirement.

t's been a long time coming for K9 Rickie, and we thank him for nine incredible years of service, loyalty, and dedication. He has faithfully answered every call, exceeded every expectation, and given this department everything he has.

Enjoy retirement, partner. You've more than earned it. 💙🐾

Shoutout to Paws 'n' Rec - Fayetteville and the DEA for the retirement goodies!

06/16/2026

The University of Arkansas Police Department is excited to attend the 30th NWA Juneteenth Anniversary! Be sure to stop by and visit with our officers while enjoying a day filled with community, culture, entertainment, and local vendors.

While you're there, test your skills with some of the activities we'll be bringing:
- Blindfolded Three-Point Shooting Challenge
- Half-Court Football Toss Challenge
- Half-Court Basketball Shot Challenge
- Dunk Tank Fun

Can't find us? Just look for our UTVs and trailer, we'll be nearby!

We encourage everyone to come out and connect with the community and enjoy a great day with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!

06/15/2026

Congratulations to Officer Wood and K9 Recon on successfully earning their first narcotics certification this morning through the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association.

Since joining the University of Arkansas Police Department, Officer Wood and K9 Recon have dedicated countless hours to training and preparation for this milestone. With this certification complete, the team is now officially deployed and ready to assist in narcotics detection operations.

K9 Recon will continue advancing his training as he works toward patrol certification, which includes handler protection and apprehension.

We are proud of the hard work and commitment demonstrated by both Officer Wood and K9 Recon. Congratulations on this achievement, and we look forward to watching you continue the proud legacy of UAPD K9 teams. 🐾🚔

06/13/2026

06/11/2026

Thought we would hop on the trend this week. Happy Thursday Razorbacks!🐗😎

06/08/2026

K9 Raven is one adventurous pup, and one of her favorite places to visit with Officer Johnson is the HPER building! 🐾

Whether she's putting in miles on the indoor track, making new friends, or greeting guests at the front desk, K9 Raven always enjoys spending time around the Razorback community.

A big thank you to the UREC team for welcoming us and for putting together this awesome video. We always appreciate the partnership and support!

06/06/2026

🚨 REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 15! 🚨

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a UAPD officer for a day?

Join us for our 2nd Annual Cop for a Day, an inclusive, hands-on experience for individuals with disabilities ages 5–25. Participants will have the opportunity to meet our K9s, explore a patrol vehicle, interact with officers, and enjoy a day filled with fun activities and learning experiences.

📅 June 27
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 The Gardens at the University of Arkansas
🍽 Lunch provided

📲 Scan the QR code or click the link in our bio to register before June 15.