Queensland Police Service has welcomed eight new police dogs following the first stand-alone dog graduation in Queensland.
The dogs swapped their plain collars out for a ceremonial collar in recognition of their achievement, completing the 12-week training course facilitated at the State Dog Squad Training and Development Centre for general purpose police dogs.
This course produces highly skilled police dogs, delivering valuable support to frontline officers to keep Queensland communities safe.
QPS has the largest canine unit in Australia, currently with 111 dogs in the service and 23 in training.
Alongside their graduated dogs, six new handlers were awarded their QPS Canine Service Medallions, highlighting the significant growth in the dog squad.
These officers will be deployed to Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Logan, and Ipswich from the State Dog Squad Training and Development Centre.
Acting Assistant Commissioner David French, Operations Support Command, presented the ceremonial collars and medallions, articulating the importance of the squad to continuing community safety.
“We’re thrilled to welcome additional dog squad officers into the QPS and this graduation marks 27 dogs that have joined this year,” Acting Assistant Commissioner French said.
“The tactical support the handlers and their animals offer to front-line officers will greatly contribute to community and officer safety.”
Among the new officers honoured was Senior Constable Rory Nikora who has been building his experience in police operations for nine years before being accepted into the specialist operation.
“I am proud to have been accepted into the dog squad so early into my career,” he said.
