35 explosive detection dogs to be included in police’s dog squad

NEW DELHI: In an effort to strengthen its dog squad, the Delhi Police will soon add 35 sniffer canines that can detect explosives.

Senior police officer said the dogs trained by the Indian Army will be inducted in the force in the next few months. These dogs would help police to solve crimes and find evidence.

Sources said the decision to reinforce the dog squad was taken keeping in view frequent inputs received by the city police about possible terror strikes in the capital.

“We have a requirement for 150 dogs. At present, our dog squad has 60 sniffer and explosive detection dogs, comprising Labradors, German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels,” said deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Rajan Bhagat, who is in charge of the dog squad.

According to Bhagat, every dog in the squad is retired after eight years of service. “We need more strength this time to manage the security of Delhi. We sent a proposal to the Army to give Delhi Police 150 more dogs,” he said.

“The Army agreed to give us 100 dogs soon, out of which 35 trained dogs will be given in July from the Army Veterinary Corps.”

Apart from visiting crime scenes, these dogs are deployed at Delhi Metro stations, hotels and VVIP events.

The dogs are given tough training spanning over six to nine months by the Army. The National Security Guard (NSG) also hires trained dogs from the Army.

At present, our dog squad has 60 sniffer and explosive detection dogs, comprising Labradors, German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels. RAJAN BHAGAT, DCP