Rwanda National Police

Thirty-three Police officers, on Thursday, completed a month-long basic explosive and narcotic detection handlers and kennel management course.

The pass-out was held at the Canine Brigade headquarters in Masoro, Gasabo District and presided over by Commissioner for Training and Development in Rwanda National Police (RNP), Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti.

Also passed out are 25 new sniffer dogs, which were acquired last month from the Police Dogs Centre Holland in the Netherlands.

The dogs initially trained in detecting explosives and narcotic drugs in The Netherlands, had to undergo similar drills to familiarize them with their new handlers to enhance operability.

CP Niyonshuti thanked the course participants, the facilitators and the Canine brigade for the successful completion of the training.

He also commended the canine specialists for the important role they play in supplementing national safety and security.

“We all know that the primary responsibility of the Police and other security organs is to make sure that there is peace and security in the country as they are the pre-condition for sustainable development. You play a significant role in ensuring that security,” CP Niyonshuti said.

He, however, reminded participants that the criminal landscape is becoming more complex and challenging, especially with criminals taking advantage of advancement of technology.

“Criminals are dynamic, they are now using technology; capacity building must be the priority to ensure we always stay many steps ahead. The course you have completed today fits well in that objective,” CP Niyonshuti added.

He emphasized that RNP will continue to invest in capacity building, acquire more dogs and expand areas of specialization such as apprehension and attack dogs.

CP Niyonshuti said the force will continue to upgrade its Canine Brigade infrastructure including training facilities and developing a dog breeding center.

Andres Isaksson, the trainer from the Police Dogs Centre Holland commended trainees’ discipline and commitment observed during the training. He, however, reminded them to keep on training themselves and do more research about K9 for better performance of their daily duties.

The one-month intensive training covered key areas such as; vehicle searching, luggage search, boxes and open area search, obedience and dog behavior among others.