The Dogs And Their Handlers
By Ramatoulie Jawo
In a bid to bolster its crime-fighting efforts, the Gambia Police Force (GPF) has taken a significant stride by introducing eight highly trained dogs into its Police Canine Unit (K-9).
These canine recruits have completed their initial training phase alongside their handlers and are poised to support law enforcement operations across the country. Trained for various tasks including detecting drugs and explosives, locating missing persons, gathering crime scene evidence, safeguarding officers, and apprehending suspects, these dogs are set to play a crucial role in enhancing public safety.
Addressing attendees at the handover ceremony, Deputy Commissioner and Special Adviser to the Inspector General of Police, Mustapha Ndong, emphasized the pivotal role of the K-9 unit in the Gambia’s law enforcement landscape. This initiative marks a significant step in the reform efforts aimed at fortifying the security sector and ensuring the safety of citizens.
He stated that this represents a significant stride in the ongoing reform efforts within the Gambia Police Force, aimed at strengthening its role as a pivotal security institution within the broader security sector.
“K-9 unit many police organizations around the globe have this unit established, but for the Gambia this is the first time we are introducing a K-9 unit. And what is the objective of introducing of this unit, we want to enhance the safety and security of the Gambian people. This is the objective dream and aspirations of the police management under the leadership of the inspector general of police,” he highlighted.
Highlighting the significance of this introduction, Mr. Ndong underscored the overarching goal of enhancing community safety and security. He expressed the hope of expanding the canine unit’s presence to all police formations across the nation, particularly in the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) formations.
Mr. John Sock, serving as the coordinator between the trainers and the Police, lauded the readiness and aggressiveness of the canine recruits. Trained locally by qualified Gambian trainers since their early stages, these dogs are now fully prepared to commence their duties alongside their human counterparts.
“Right now the police have 8 of these dogs, and they are ready to go out with our support and their support. This is an ongoing training, and we are excited to say that the officer dogs are ready to go. They can start work today,” he said.
Commissioner of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU), Adeline Basangeh, emphasized the transformative potential of the K-9 unit in augmenting police operations as envisioned by past and present police leadership.
“The dogs will definitely enhance our operations in the manner in which we thought about,” he said.
Imported from Spain at just four weeks old, these Belgian Malinois dogs have undergone rigorous training in the Gambia and are now 14 months old. Paired with police officers, they are poised to enforce the law, combat criminal activities, and contribute to community safety.