First-Ever K9 Unit Coming To Collingswood Police Department

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — The Collingswood Police Department is installing a K9 unit for the first time in the force's history.

The department will welcome two new K9 officers, a Belgian Malinois and a Labrador Retriever, over the next few weeks.

"Our K-9 teams will not only help keep our community safe, but they will also be out in the community meeting residents, visiting schools, and participating in local events," the Department added.

Along with interacting with the community, the primary roles of the dogs will be to combat drug operations in the area, aid in criminal arrests, and enhance officer safety.

The K9s, along with their handlers, will be introduced in March or early April.

The unit is being funded through opioid settlement funds won through a national lawsuit in 2022 against four companies for their role in the opioid crisis in America.

The lawsuits held prescription drug manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for their roles in creating and funding the opioid epidemic.

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