Dogs brought in to give security teeth

POLICE now have 69 police dogs to carry out normal duties during the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference Leaders’ Summit in November, said a senior officer in-charge at Friday’s passing of eight dogs and their handlers.
Acting Unit director senior inspector Luth Nidung said more than 50 dogs have been with their handlers.
He said it would now boost the numbers and security needed to contain public disorder and law during the meeting.
“They (dogs) are more than ready and are prepared with confidence in all the duties they will carry out with their handlers,”Nidung said.
He said the dogs and their handlers had undergone eight weeks of intensive training. They were trained in obedience, agility, man work, tracking, crowd control and building search.
He said they were now ready for operational deployment as qualified team.
National Capital District and Central Commander Donald Yamasombi said the police dogs would not only be used for Asia-Pacific Economic Conference but would also be used later.
“The knowledge and skills the officers and the dogs have would benefit everyone later,’ he said.
Nidung said the previous batch that graduated were firearms and explosive detection dog (FEDD), General Purpose DOGS (GP) training conducted by Dog Force Australia for AFP.
He said with the continued support from the AFP the security system was a facelift for them and they are fully confident to carry out their duties.