The Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office introduces its new, dual-purpose weapons detection and therapy dog, Casper!
Casper arrived August 31st, and we will begin the handler selection process during the first part of September. As soon as the handler is chosen, they will be paired immediately with Casper and placed directly in the school environment. From there, our very own Master Trainer, Master Deputy Phil Lutz will be conducting the weapons detection with Casper and his new handler, working toward in-house certification alongside their daily presence in the building.
Once the detection certification is completed, anticipated toward the end of September or early October, the team will officially transition to solo operational status. Concurrently, as a key component of Casper’s role in the school, we will begin the formal training and evaluation process for therapy dog certification (including AKC Canine Good Citizen/therapy standards). This dual capability will allow Casper to not only provide proactive hazard and weapons detection but also serve as a positive engagement and comfort resource for students and staff throughout the school year.
