News
4 July, 2024
Police dogs latest recruits in community safety
An additional eight Police Dogs (PDs) and their handlers will join the Queensland Police Service (QPS) this year, enhancing operational capabilities across the state.
An additional eight Police Dogs (PDs) and their handlers will join the Queensland Police Service (QPS) this year, enhancing operational capabilities across the state. The new recruits are part of a broader effort to support frontline staff and improve community safety.
Police Minister Mark Ryan visited the Brisbane Dog Squad complex today with Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski to highlight the significance of the boost. Three handlers and their general-purpose PDs have already started their roles, following completion of a 12-week State Dog Squad Training and Development course. This training prepares them for various operational tasks, including obedience, tracking, searching, and team coordination.
The additional PDs are part of a cohort that graduated in June, with two dogs now filling positions in Mount Isa and the Gold Coast. Earlier this year, two PDs and their handlers were deployed to Ipswich and the Darling Downs. Later in the year, three more handlers and their PDs will undergo training to further expand the squad.
The dogs, starting their training as early as eight weeks old, are chosen based on breed and personality, with the goal of becoming either general-purpose or detection dogs. German Shepherd puppies Archie and Arlo, currently in a socialisation course, are among the younger recruits aiming to join the team in the future.
Minister Ryan emphasized that the Dog Squad plays a crucial role in enhancing community safety, particularly in property crime prevention. Commissioner Gollschewski praised the high-quality training that ensures PDs are ready to work in any environment, helping track and apprehend offenders quickly, thus preventing further crimes and improving public safety.
