72 canines and 101 handlers graduate from Integrated Intelligence Training Academy

72 canines and 101 handlers graduate from Integrated Intelligence Training Academy

On the sunny Friday morning, 72 canines and 101 handlers in the 24th batch of the All India Level Canine Basic Induction Course graduated from the Integrated Intelligence Training Academy (IITA) in Moinabad. They represented police forces from Telangana, Bihar, Goa, Tripura, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), and Railway Protection Force (Secunderabad and Vijayawada).

The ceremony marked the completion of an intensive eight-month training programme, equipping canine units and their handlers with specialised skills for law enforcement operations.

The canines, comprising 36 Labrador Retrievers, eight German Shepherds, and 28 Belgian Malinois, were trained in explosives detection, narcotics detection, liquor detection, tracking and assault operations.

Addressing the gathering, Director General (Intelligence) B. Shivadhar Reddy highlighted the crucial role of trained canines in modern policing. He acknowledged the strong bond between handlers and their canines, stating that a well-trained canine is not just a tool but a partner, a protector, and a loyal companion.

The official emphasised the need for continuous advancements in technology, forensic science, and training methodologies to tackle the evolving security threats.

A total of 843 canines and 1,205 handlers were trained at the Canine Training Centre at IITA, Moinabad, since its establishment in 2004. These canine units have been instrumental in anti-sabotage operations, VIP and VVIP security, bomb threat responses, narcotics control and crime investigations, significantly enhancing law enforcement capabilities.

Following the parade, the newly trained canines and their handlers demonstrated their skills through a series of drills, including the murder scene of offence, balloon popping, scent identification, tug of war, vehicle jump, luggage search and agility tests among others.