Events at the demonstration include testing the dogs obedience, agility, suspect search skills, and criminal apprehension with and without gunfire.
GLOUCESTER TWP. -- Dozens of the best police dogs from across the nation are gathering in Gloucester Township to compete in the United States Police Canine Association National Patrol Dog Trials.
The Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) was selected as the 2016 host of the K9 Nationals. The department invited the community out on Wednesday afternoon to watch live demonstrations of what will be happening at the week-long competition at Gloucester Township Community Park.
"A national event of this scale is a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our residents to observe this major K-9 competition in a friendly and fun setting of their home township," said Mayor David Mayer in a press release.
During the actual competition, which will be held Sept. 25 through Sept. 30, dogs will compete in different categories including obedience, agility, suspect search, and criminal apprehension with and without gunfire. The competition is free to attend and open to the public.
Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.