Indian canine breeds, including the Rampur Hound, Gaddi, and Bakharwal, are poised to join the ranks of police dogs, marking a departure from the conventional use of foreign breeds. These indigenous breeds are being groomed for diverse law enforcement tasks such as suspect tracking, narcotics, and explosive detection, as well as patrolling high-risk areas. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are in the process of recruiting and testing these Indian breeds for their adaptability and effectiveness.
Diversifying Police Canine Ranks
Traditionally, police dogs have predominantly been of foreign breeds, including German Shepherds, Labradors, Belgian Malinois, and Cocker Spaniels. However, the CAPFs are expanding their roster to include indigenous breeds, reflecting a desire to promote local breeds in various roles.
Trials Underway
Trials for incorporating Indian breeds into police roles have been conducted by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Mudhol Hound, an Indian breed, has successfully completed its trial phase. Meanwhile, ongoing trials for breeds like the Rampur Hound, Himachali Shepherd, Gaddi, Bakharwal, and Tibetan Mastiff are taking place at the training centers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), SSB, ITBP, and the Border Security Force (BSF).
Promoting Local Breeds
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously expressed support for the promotion of indigenous dog breeds through scientific methods. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to celebrate and utilize locally adapted resources.
Duties of Police Dogs
Police dogs play vital roles in law enforcement, including the detection of explosives, narcotics, counterfeit currency, and patrolling. They are also deployed for search operations to track down suspects and locate potential threats.
Strengthening Cooperation and Learning
The Home Ministry is actively fostering a culture of mutual cooperation and learning among CAPFs and other police and law enforcement organizations in matters related to Police Service K9s (PSKs).
Large K9 Units
The CAPFs boast a substantial K9 unit, comprising nearly 4,000 dogs, making them the largest users of police canines in the country. Among the CAPFs, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) maintains the largest canine force, with around 1,500 dogs. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) follows with approximately 700 dogs, while the National Security Guard (NSG) has around 100 dogs.
Establishment of K9 Squad
The K9 squad was established by the Home Ministry as part of its police modernization program in 2019. This initiative seeks to streamline the breeding, training, and selection of police dogs for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
