3166 missions accomplished by K9 unit in 2013

Dubai Police K9 unit has carried out a total of 3166 missions last year, which varied from tracing criminals and victims, confiscating drugs, solving crime cases among many other things.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Lt. Col. Abdulsalam Al Shamsi, Head of Dubai Police K9 Security Search Unit that they have different breeds of canines, and these are German shepherds, Dutch shepherds, Labrador, Springers and Malinois and others.

“Each breed has its own qualities. For example, German shepherds are used in guarding and riots because of its traits. Labradors are frequently trained to aid people with special needs and act as therapy dogs, as well as detecting work for law enforcement and other official agencies. Malinois breed is high-energy breed, popular as both a police and military working dog.”

Lt. Col. Al Shamsi pointed out that the unit’s missions ranges from searching for hidden drugs, weapons, explosives and to tracking the traces as well as finding the bodies of missing people in case of crimes or natural disasters like earthquakes.

“Our trained canine can also distinguish the scents of bodies and materials, and this helps in solving crimes cases, as well as revealing the main causes of fires.”

Lt. Col. Al Shamsi said that there are 56 trainers a the unit, and they are chosen carefully, in accordance with the specifications set by the Technical Committee of Dubai police. “There are specifications and standards for the trainers where they should be patient, as well as have courage and ability to deal with these dogs.”

Meanwhile, he pointed out that these dogs are brought in from global farms specialised in getting police dogs (without a specific discipline).

“After arriving to Dubai, the dog is subjected to training sessions lasting from four to six months, and then tested before it gets involved in any mission to stand on its readiness for security tasks. “

He added: “K9 unit was established in 1976 with only six dogs and six trainers. At that time, it had limited missions which were mainly tracking drugs, guarding, tracking the marks of persons and scents.”

He said that they also have a permanent office at Dubai Airport for busting drug smugglers and smuggling cases, and these canines sniff baggage of many suspected passengers depending on the information they get about specific flights, or suspicious passengers.

Lt. Col. Al Shamsi said that like human officers, K9 canines are also rewarded if they help in solving a mission or busting a crime.

“The rewards is determined by the trainer of the canine, and it includes allowing it to play certain games, outdoor exercise, or daily training with the ball. And the dog recognize these rewards which encourages it to improve its performance and work harder in the next mission.”

(Image via Shutterstock)

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