Former Eagles player Jason Kelce, Mayor David Mayer, Police Chief David Harkins and community members attended the launch of the Gloucester Township Police Department’s new CRK9 (Community Resource K9s) Program, an initiative that utilizes police work, wellness and animal-assisted intervention to help people with substance use disorders.
Gloucester Township police have introduced an innovative program meant to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, while providing critical support to people with substance use disorders.
During an April 15 press conference at the department’s training center at Gloucester Premium Outlets, Police Chief David Harkins and Mayor David Mayer announced the launch of the Community Resource K9 (CRK9) Program, an initiative that utilizes police work, wellness and animal-assisted intervention.
“This program is about building trust, providing comfort and supporting recovery,” Harkins told the crowd of community members and local officials at the press conference. “Our CRK9s are not just trained companions, they’re resources for healing and connection.”
The program will feature specially trained dogs Axel, Ivan and Jolene, who will be partnered with retired police Major John Hunt, their dedicated handler. The K-9s are trained to assist not only individuals in recovery from substance use disorders but also students; residents; and even fellow officers coping with anxiety, trauma or stress.
Mayer called the initiative “a vital tool for strengthening community bonds” and praised its multi-faceted approach. “Whether in schools, public events or moments of crisis,” he said, “these K-9s will serve as bridges of empathy and support.”
Designed with compassion and prevention in mind, the CRK9 program will collaborate with police department community education officers to enhance drug prevention efforts in township schools. The animals will also be deployed during community outreach events and are available for Animal Assisted Crisis Response support.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by police to address mental-health and substance use challenges with innovative, community-centered strategies.
“This is a first for our department and a new direction for how we think about community policing,” explained Hunt, who introduced his K-9 trio at the program announcement. “These dogs aren’t here to detect drugs, they’re here to detect and deliver comfort.”
Attendees at the press conference had the opportunity to meet Axel, Ivan and Jolene and speak with a CRK9 team to learn about the program’s upcoming events and involvement in local schools and recovery initiatives.
The CRK9 effort is where public safety meets compassionate service, one paw at a time.
