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spacer NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE

 
 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lt. Al Della Fave, NJSP Public Information Office
(609) 882-2000 x6514
Det. Stephen Jones x6513

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 27, 2003


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CANINE HOMELAND DEFENDERS / CRIME FIGHTERS GRADUATE STATE POLICE DETECTOR "SCENT" & "PATROL" SCHOOLS

     Trenton - Joseph R. Fuentes, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, announced that nine of New Jersey's newest law enforcement specialists today graduated with honors from the New Jersey State Police Canine Training Academy, Scent/Patrol Class #3.

     Acting Superintendent Fuentes lauded the State Police canine patrol and scent detection "team training" as the most comprehensive police dog training program available in New Jersey. The specialized training produces highly proficient canine teams ready for patrol responsibilities and a variety of specialized scent duties.

     "I'd like to congratulate the law enforcement officers who have completed the 3rd New Jersey State Police Scent/Patrol Training Program," Fuentes said. "Technology is advancing in so many areas of law enforcement, but when it comes to detecting life-threatening explosives, uncovering hidden narcotics or tracking missing persons, police detection dogs are the most reliable and effective tools available to law enforcement."

     Joining the Acting Superintendent at the K-9 graduation ceremonies were Markus Green, Attorney General's Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt. Colonel Albert J. Kernagis, Commanding Officer of the New Jersey State Police Field Operations Section and representatives from the participating law enforcement agencies: Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, Howell Township Police Department, Independence Township Police Department, Lower Alloways Creek Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police.

     The 20-week patrol training class focuses on teaching the dogs to assist their handlers in apprehending criminal suspects, explosives detection, scent tracking, article and suspect searches and search/rescue operations. During the scent-training course, the dogs are taught to detect various types of explosive components as well as narcotics, including cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and hashish.

     According to SFC Jeffrey W. McCarthey, State Police Canine Unit Supervisor, the extensive training program focuses on establishing a strong bond between the handler and the dog. Dogs selected for the program must be willing workers with a great play drive and a good temperament. Patience and understanding are prime requisites for the handler, as dog performance depends on such traits.

     During the first week of training, the handlers receive an overview of the course and details of their responsibilities as dog owners. Meanwhile, each canine is evaluated on their search and retrieval abilities and the level of bonding with the handler.

     Throughout the following weeks, various training exercises are undertaken such as search and rescue tactics and the introduction of controlled substances, illegal drugs and various types of explosives. The training is repeated until the dogs are able to detect all substances used in the training. As the training progresses, the hiding locations are made more difficult, with contraband being hidden in motor vehicles, planes, boats and buildings.

     The New Jersey State Police canine training program dates to 1987 when it was created as part of the Statewide Narcotics Task Force. During the past year, the New Jersey State Police K-9 teams assisted with over 550 criminal investigations, successfully locating and apprehending fleeing suspects, recovering evidence and providing security in crowd control situations. State Police narcotic detector dogs assisted in the seizure of illegal drugs valued at more than $1.5 million and currency seizures of more than $2.1 million. The State Police explosive detector dogs conducted over 1500 searches for hidden explosives and assisted State Police Arson and Bomb Squad detectives at suspected arson scenes.

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NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE CANINE TRAINING ACADEMY
SCENT / PATROL CLASS #3

NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
TPR. I MICHAEL DANIELE & K-9 BUDDY (PATROL / EXPLOSIVES)
TPR. II LOUIS BUCCHERE & K-9 CHASE (PATROL / EXPLOSIVES)
TPR. II ARCHER JONES & K-9 NERO (PATROL / NARCOTICS)
TPR. SCOTT POULTON & K-9 RAIDER (PATROL / NARCOTICS)
TPR. PAUL WHITTAKER & K-9 IKE (PATROL / EXPLOSIVES)

CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
OFF. WILLIAM REHMANN & K-9 NIKO (PATROL / EXPLOSIVES)

HOWELL TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
PTL. MICHAEL PAVLICK & K-9 NERO (PATROL / NARCOTICS)

INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

SGT. DENNIS RILEY & K-9 REX (PATROL / NARCOTICS)

LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

PTL. DONALD RAMBO & K-9 ALDO (PATROL / EXPLOSIVES)














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