Andhra Pradesh Trains First Dual-Skilled Police Dogs, Adds Belgian Malinois
Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in India to train police dogs in two special skills, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced on Tuesday. The state police have also introduced the Belgian Malinois breed to improve crime detection, narcotics control, and VIP security.
The announcement came at the passing out parade of 35 dogs of the 22nd batch, who completed training along with 61 handlers at the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) 6th Battalion ground in Mangalagiri. Senior officers, including DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary (Home) Kumar Vishwajeet, and Additional DGP (Law and Order) N. Madhusudhan Reddy, attended the event.
Home Minister Anitha explained that dual skill training allows a single dog to handle two tasks. She cited the recent Chirala case, where tracker dogs helped solve a rape and murder case in just 36 hours. “Adding more trained dogs will help prevent crime, secure VIPs, and support investigations,” she said.
Eighteen dogs trained in narcotics detection will help curb drug trafficking in the state. Special incentives will also be provided to handlers for their work.
DGP Harish Kumar Gupta said 15 dogs were trained in dual skills such as explosive detection and tracking, 18 in narcotics detection and tracking, and two in assault and explosive detection. He added that the state is building new dog kennels and expanding canine training facilities.
The parade was attended by IGPs Ake Ravi Krishna, Ch. Srikanth, B. Raja Kumari, K.V. Mohan Rao, and other senior officials.