Over six years, 14 K9 dogs died, and 46 retired. Still, the unit handled over 90,000 bomb threat calls effectively.
New Delhi: It’s often said that dogs are man’s best friend, and the Delhi Police K9 unit exemplifies this, playing a vital role in ensuring the safety of the city. The K9 unit, which has been active since 1967, consists of 66 specially trained dogs, including tracker, narcotics detection, and explosive detection dogs.
The K9 squad has been instrumental in numerous high-profile cases involving the detection of explosives and narcotics. These dogs undergo rigorous training and work 24/7 alongside their handlers to respond to emergencies and conduct searches.
According to data accessed by The Sunday Guardian, the K9 unit includes 60 explosive sniffers, three trackers, and three narcotics specialists, with breeds such as Labradors, Malinois, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
Over the last six years, 14 dogs have died, and 46 have retired. Despite the losses, the unit remains a crucial part of the Delhi Police’s bomb detection teams, responding to over 90,000 bomb threat calls in the last four years. These calls, though mostly hoaxes trigger a full response involving bomb detection squads and dog units.
First line of defence
In light of the recent surge in bomb threats to schools, hospitals, and other establishments in Delhi, the K9 unit has become a critical part of the police’s rapid response team. Head Constable Vishal Singh, a handler, explained that the dogs are closely monitored for their behaviour during searches. If a dog senses explosives, it sits still as a sign of alert, allowing the handler to clear the area for further investigation.
Dogs trained for narcotics detection exhibit different behaviour, such as attempting to grab or tear open suspicious packages. The K9 squad operates from 10 locations in Delhi, under the Crime Branch, overseen by DCP Satish Kumar.
Challenges for the K9 unit
DCP Satish Kumar highlighted the challenges these “special officers” face due to constant exposure to harmful substances, which shortens their life span to around 8-9 years. Despite receiving the best care, including regular medical check-ups and high-quality food, the nature of their work poses significant risks.
In 2023, the Delhi Police inducted 34 puppies from Hyderabad, trained at the ITBP Bhanu Centre in Haryana, and brought in 13 more highly trained dogs from the Indian Army. The unit currently comprises 23 Labradors, 18 Malinois, 16 German Shepherds, and 9 Golden Retrievers.
The K9 squad continues to be an essential part of the city’s defence against bomb threats and other criminal activities, despite the dangers they face.