K-9 Unit

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units are called upon year-round to assist local police departments with narcotics detection, explosive detection and criminal or missing person searches.

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit presently consists of six K-9’s with six handlers.  There are three explosive detection teams, one that is cross-trained in patrol, one narcotic team and two tracking K9’s :

K9 Supervisor Sergeant Michael DeLuca	Former Handler
K-9 Handler S/O Devon Mockus & K-9 Harley	Labrador Retriever	Explosive Team
K-9 Handler S/O Douglas Marino & K-9 Blue	Belgian Malinois	Explosive/Patrol Team
K-9 Handler S/O Matthew Lavin & K-9 Mack	German Short-haired pointer	Narcotics Team
K-9 Trainer/Handler  S/O Michael Mindo & K-9 Reese	Bloodhound	Tracking Team
K-9 Trainer/Handler S/O Ralph Irizzary & K-9 Fuze	Belgian Malinois	Explosive Team
K-9 Handler S/O Elizabeth Imbriacco & K-9 Maggie	Bloodhound	Tracking Team

During the days and weeks immediately following the World Trade Center attack, two Sheriff’s K-9 teams worked closely with the Port Authority Police to provide explosive detection searches at the bridges and tunnels leading to New York City. Other Sheriff’s Officers served as “spotters” providing security for the dog handlers while they worked. During the 10 days following the attack, Sheriff’s Office K-9 teams conducted explosive detection searches on over one thousand vehicles at the border crossings between New Jersey and New York.

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 units undergo rigorous ongoing training programs to maintain proficiency in basic skills and ensure continued effective performance in the field. Each K-9 team must complete a state-mandated 10-week training course at a certified K-9 training facility. After completing this initial training, Sheriff’s K-9 teams must maintain at least eight hours of in-service training each month.