Much like their human law enforcement counterparts, K-9 police dogs must pass a rigorous training program and exhibit a certain temperament.

Four K-9 dogs are currently being trained before they join the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD).

The City Council passed Resolution 09-903 on October 28, authorizing a contract with Connecticut-based dog breeder Dietrich Neumahr to provide the four K-9 Detective/Police Patrol Dogs to the JCPD and Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

The cost is $20,800 for all four dogs.

The four German Shepherds are individually trained for various specialties.

“Some are trained to detect drugs, others for explosives,” said JCPD spokesperson Stan Eason. “There’s a high degree of repetition and training hours.”

Neumahr said he typically uses German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, which are trained to detect more than 20 scents. The dogs are also tested for their ability to protect the police officer, stand their ground, and bite if necessary.

“All the dogs must have stable nerves and drive,” Neumahr said. “So much that normal people don’t want them in the house. They’re a little hyper.”

Neumahr initially purchases the dogs from Europe.

“They are trained and tested for hunt and retrieval. For example, they must trace a toy, doll or rag covered with the smell of drugs or a bomb, but not both.”

According to the resolution, the JCPD will expand the K-9 Unit from one to five dogs and “provide greater coverage of the city and specific threats against waterfront targets.”