City Police Welcome New ‘Recruit’
Coaster Photo
Asbury Park Police Officer Dan Newman is pictured with Jade, the newest member of the force.
The Asbury Park Police Department recently welcomed its newest member, a black Labrador retriever, to its force.
Jade, the one-and-a-half year old Lab lives with Police Officer Dan Newman. The dog completed a 14 week K-9 narcotics detection course last month under the direction of the Port Authority Police Canine Unit, Newark.
Jade is replacing Bo, the departments former K-9 officer as a member of the Citys Street Crimes/Narcotics Unit along with Newman, her handler.
A police K-9 unit is critical to Asbury Park, said Deputy Chief Mark Kinmon. In our efforts to move forward with a strong multi- faceted police department, Jade is a vital resource for the success of our program.
Newman is responsible for introducing Jade to the Asbury Park Police. She was originally a rescue dog referred to the officer by his friend Glenn Campbell, a Pennsylvania State Police Officer. According to Newman, Jade will be facilitated as needed to pinpoint traces of suspected drug paraphernalia at scenes requiring plausible investigation.Newman joined the Asbury Park Police Department in November 1998. Prior to that, he had extensive experience working as a Boarding Officer with the High Intense Drug Traffic Area (HIDTA) of the Port of New York. It was during this time Newman realized the value of the canines innate skills, such as a heightened sense of sight and smell, as a strong tool in situations involving drug investigation and confiscation.
I began working with Asbury Parks original police dog, Bo, within the canine unit of the United States Coast Guard. Since the state of New Jersey has one of the most rigorous canine trainings, Bo endured a 10 week 400 hour training program. Over 250 narcotic hides were administered to see how different environments such as helicopters, freighters and a gun firing range would effect how the dog reacts under these conditions, stressed Newman.
Newman praises Mark Webber, of the Union County Sheriffs Department, for Bos extensive skills both on land and sea.
Bo is an amazing dog which is a credit to his training, said Newman. Now in retirement, Bo is living with Newman as well as the ever-energetic Jade as she prepares to serve and protect residents and visitors of Asbury Park.
As for Jades bright future working with the City Police, Newman is positive that she is a perfect fit. Like Bo, she will be making her own history.
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