35 canines trained in dual skills to help police detect crimes, says A.P. Home Minister

For the first time in the country, the Andhra Pradesh police have introduced dual skill training for the canines, said Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha. The State police also introduced dog breed Belgian Malinois into the force to improve the quality of policing.

The Home Minister was participating in the passing out parade of the 35 canines of 22nd batch, which completed training along with 61 handlers, at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) 6th Battalion Ground, in Mangalagiri on Tuesday.

Director General of Police (DIG) Harish Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary (Home) Kumar Vishwajeet, Additional Director-General (ADG) Intelligence Mahesh Chandra Ladda, Additional DGP (Law and Order) N. Madhusudhan Reddy and other officers also participated in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Anitha elaborated on the dual skill training introduced for canines, which would see a single dog being given training in two specializations.

Citing the example of how a tracker canine detected the Chirala rape and murder case within 36 hours after the incident recently, the Home Minister said that more canines were needed in the force to check crime, providing security to the VIPs and in investigation processes.

Meanwhile, Ms. Anitha said that the 18 dogs trained for narcotics detection will help the police to curb trafficking of narcotic substances. Special incentives will be given to the dog handlers, she added.

The DGP said that 15 canines were trained in dual skills like explosive detection and tracking, 18 dogs were given training in narcotics detection and tracking, and two were specialized in assault and explosive detection. “Construction of dedicated dog kennels in the districts and expansion of canine training facility is under way in the State,” Mr. Harish Kumar Gupta said.

IGPs Ake Ravi Krishna, Ch. Srikanth, B. Raja Kumari and K.V. Mohan Rao and other officers were present at the passing out parade.