Police in Saint John are “ruffing” up the streets with the addition of two new canine handlers and their police service dogs.
The Saint John Police are pleased to announce that two new highly skilled canine handlers and their partners,
Constables Mike Jackson and Scott Boyles have successfully completed training and have begun serving the Saint John area.
Jackson works with K-9 Maverick, while Boyles handles K-9 Arlo.
“The addition of these teams will enhance the capabilities of the Saint John Police and reinforce their commitment to public safety,” police said in a statement.
The force said handlers and their canines went a nearly five-month training course that included obedience, tracking, search and rescue techniques, and suspect apprehension exercises.
The coming months will also see them trained in drug and firearm detection.
“Safety and security are our utmost priorities, and the addition of these two new canine teams to our force strengthens our commitment to the community,” said Robert Bruce, chief of the Saint John Police Force, in a statement.
“We are proud of the handlers’ dedication and the bond they have built with their canine partners during the training period.”
Police said the teams will be instrumental in critical operations, like tracking suspects and missing persons, detecting illegal substances and ensuring the safety of officers and the public during high-risk situations.