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OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE

 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2002
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SFC Al Della Fave, NJSP
(609) 882-2000 x6514


 
 
CANINE SLEUTHS GRADUATE STATE POLICE DETECTOR "SCENT"& "PATROL" SCHOOLS

     Trenton - Attorney General David Samson announced that 17 of New Jersey's newest law enforcement specialists today graduated with honors from the New Jersey State Police Detector Scent Dog and Patrol Training Schools.

     In recognizing the law enforcement officer handlers - and their K-9 partners - Attorney General Samson recognized 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 is designed to produce a highly proficient canine team capable of assisting police officers as they conduct patrol responsibilities and in locating illegal narcotics, drug tainted currency, explosives and other types of contraband materials.

     "I'd like to congratulate the law enforcement officers who have completed the 13th New Jersey State Police Detector Scent Dog Training Program and the first ever K-9 Patrol Training Class," the Attorney General said. "While technology is replacing people power in many areas of law enforcement investigation, when it comes to fighting terrorism and detecting life-threatening explosives or uncovering hidden narcotics, police detection dogs are still the most reliable and effective tool available to law enforcement."

     Joining the Attorney General at the K-9 graduation ceremonies were Peter C. Harvey, First Assistant Attorney General and Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Lt. Col. Frederick Madden, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, and representatives from the participating law enforcement agencies: the Gloucester County Sheriff's Office, Millville Police Department, Eatontown Police Department, South Bound Brook Police Department, Glassboro Police Department, Bergen County Sheriff's Office, Medford Township Police Department, Wall Township Police Department, Howell Township Police Department and the Holmdel Police Department.

     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 200 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 exceeding $2.1 million. The State Police explosive detector dogs conducted over 300 searches for hidden explosives and assisted State Police Arson and Bomb Squad detectives at suspected arson scenes.

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

     According to SFC Jeffrey W. McCarthy, Supervisor of the State Police Canine Unit, 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 hide locations are made increasingly more difficult, with contraband substances being hidden in motor vehicles, planes, boats and buildings.



13th DETECTOR DOG SCENT CLASS

New Jersey State Police
     Trooper I Debra Faiello and "Xnea"

Gloucester County Sheriff's Office
     Sheriff's Officer Steven Beebe "Caesar"

Millville Police Department
     Patrolman Terrence Fawcett and "Marco"
     Patrolman Anthony Loteck and "Ronnie"

Eatontown Police Department
     Patrolman Thomas Ferrugia and "Xena"

South Bound Brook Police Department
     Patrolman Frederick Fittin and "Beba"

Glassboro Police Department
     Patrolman George Moore and "Rex"


K-9 PATROL CLASS

New Jersey State Police
     Trooper I Debra Faiello and "Xena"
     Trooper II Richard Minton and "Sieg"
     Trooper II Colin Frinzi and "Atos"
     Trooper James Knoeller and "Fritz"
     Trooper I Bryan Trexler and "Taz"

Bergen County Sheriff's Department
     Sheriff's Officer James Schielzo and "Udo"
     Sheriff's Officer Timothy Scannell and "Danny"

Medford Township Police Department
     Patrolman Perry Parks and "Odie"

South Bound Brook Police Department
     Patrolman Frederick Fittin and "Beba"

Wall Township Police Department
     Patrolman Eric Olsen and "Zasko"

Howell Township Police Department
     Patrolman Michael Pavliek and "Nero"

Holmdel Police Department
     Patrolman Shawn Bailey and "Jake"


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