Rwanda National Police

Sixteen new K9 and their handlers have this Wednesday, completed a two-weeks training in Basic explosive and narcotic detection handlers and kennel management course at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Canine Headquarters in Gasabo district.

The 16 new sniffer dogs, which include; German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, were acquired early this month from the Police Dogs Centre Holland in the Netherlands.

According to Canine Brigade, the dogs initially had been trained in detecting explosives and narcotic drugs back in the Netherlands, but had to undergo similar drills familiarize with their new handlers (Rwanda National Police dog handlers) which will in turn enhance operability.

During the two weeks intensive training, the K9 and their handlers covered key training areas such as; Vehicle searching, luggage search, boxes, and open area search, obedience and dog behavior among others.

While presiding over the closing ceremony, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), in charge of Administration and Personnel, Juvenal Marizamunda, lauded trainers from the Police Dogs Centre Holland who for the past two weeks worked round the clock to ensure that the RNP K9 officers get to familiarize with newly acquired sniffer dogs.

“As you know in our duty to ensure security of people and property, using sniffer dogs for crime prevention and detection is one of the policing means that has proven successful all over the world,” said DIGP Marizamunda.

“As it is said that one K9 dog can do the work done by at least 50 police officers both in investigations and detection, the skills and experience you have acquired from these experienced trainers should enhance your professional policing capacity,” DIGP Marizamunda said.

“We acknowledge the valuable work done by K9 specialist in preventing serious crimes related to narcotics and explosives at the boarders and inside our country, and this is why the leadership of RNP has prioritized in investing in canine,” said DIGP Marizamunda.

Ramon Guerain, the chief trainer from the Police Dogs Centre Holland commended the K9 handlers discipline, commitment and energy displayed by K9 officers during the training.

“Dogs have the ability to perform better, under the supervision of more experienced handlers,” Ramon noted, appealing to the officers to always train more with the new sniffer dogs.

K9 police dog unit plays an integral role in maintaining the public peace and keeping everyone safe. They are just as much a part of the police force as the officers who patrol the streets and investigate crime scenes.