15 add bite to RPNG

By SAMUEL RAITANO
POLICE dogs are an important component to fighting crime, in terms of arms and drugs detection and pursuing suspects.
This was highlighted by acting deputy commissioner operations Fred Yakasa at the graduation of police dog handlers at Bomana Dog School in Port Moresby last Friday.
For Yakasa, it was his first time to witness a parade in which the specially trained dogs demonstrated their skills to his awe as they marched in unison with their handlers in the guard of honour for him.
The graduation saw 15 dogs pass out with their handlers after undergoing a three-month course involving dual training of general purpose and drug detection.
Yakasa, while addressing the graduates, said there was a need for more dogs in the fight against crime in the country, and the executive management of the police force planned to increase the number of police dogs to a 100 next year.
This year, there are a total of 38 dogs. Two were donated by Australia and were specially trained to detect explosives.
“With the LNG, there will be a lot of people coming into our country and we need to be proactive by boosting security at our wharves and airports, in which dogs will play a vital role.”
Yakasa also said other centres in the country also needed dog squads to counter drug-trafficking and illegal movement of arms.
The graduation was witnessed by enthusiastic families and relatives of the dog handlers, who cheered as the dogs and their handlers put on shows to display what they were capable of doing in the real world of crime.
Yakasa called on the commanders in the country where the dogs would be posted, to utilise the dogs in order to keep their instincts sharp and working.