From the beginning of the program high standards were set for both, dog and handler. Paramount in every dogs training is the emphasis on obedience. Before any dog is graduated from the training program and placed in service, its unwavering willingness to obey his handler is ensured. For this reason only male dogs are used in the K9 Corps. Female dogs are not used because of their inherent maternal instinct and their unwillingness to leave the side of their handler during certain situations, even when their handler orders them to do so. Also honed during the intense training are strength, agility and endurance. The dogs are run though constant drills involving scaling vertical obstacles, climbing ladders, jumping fences and pursuing over unnatural terrain (such as cars and metal barrels). The dogs receive daily exercises through the use of a heavy canvas sleeve which slipped over the arm of the handler. With the sleeve the dogs are given the opportunity to pursue and grab a hold of the offender in training. Over the years more than a few handlers and trainers became wounded at the jowls of the dogs. Some of them by their own dogs, when the sleeve was penetrated or the trainer inadvertently offered the wrong arm for the exercise.

     Over the years the K9 Corps have become well respected by the other officers of the department. The K9's use during two high risk situations (Building searches and crowd control) has made them an integral part of the Trenton Police Department. Few situations are more tense for an officer than searching a building for a suspect who may be armed. However, many are the times that the suspect will see the futility of his predicament when it is announced that a K9 will be searching the building for him. Many times the culprits have thanked officers for being given the warning of an impending search by a K9 and the chance to give up. Similarly, the presence of a K9 at the scene of large disorder has an immeasurable impact. One K9 dog on the leash has a greater effect then ten officers when confronting an unruly crowd and on many occasions has de-escalated the situation before mass disorder occurred.

     It is because of the service of these well trained handlers and dogs that the K9 Corps has become so loved and respected by the Trenton Police Department.

     What follows are photographs of the various aspects of training for both dog and handler.

     Mac will always be remembered by the Trenton Police Department for his service and the extreme sacrifice he made in the performance of his duties. Mac's presence on the scene likely saved an officer from serious injury from the armed suspect who was predisposed to attack with his knife.

     As the result of Mac's death, New Jersey passed legislation making it a crime to assault a Police Animal.