Patna: Bihar police are set to strengthen their canine unit with the induction of 30 trained dogs in the coming months. The dogs, currently undergoing training at the Integrated Intelligence Training Academy (IITA) in Hyderabad, will be handed over to the police within the next two to three months, according to Additional Director General (CID) Parasnath.
The new intake will raise the strength of the dog squad from 67 to 97, though the sanctioned capacity remains 200. In a bid to meet the rising demand for the squad’s services, the police have also initiated the process of procuring an additional 50 dogs from the Home Guard Training Institute in Punjab. These dogs, once trained at IITA, are expected to join the force within the same timeframe, further boosting the squad’s numbers to 147.
Currently, the 67 dogs in service include 19 trained in detecting explosives, 21 in tracking, 21 in identifying liquor, and six in spotting narcotic and psychotropic substances. The breeds in the unit are dominated by Labradors (55), alongside Belgian Malinois (6), German Shepherds (4), and Golden Retrievers (2).
Deployed across police ranges, the dogs play a crucial role in criminal investigations, detecting intoxicants, and assisting in inspections during VVIP programmes. They are also instrumental in intercepting illegal consignments of liquor, particularly in dry areas of the state.
Police officials say the expansion is aimed at enhancing the squad’s efficiency, as the demand for canine assistance continues to rise.
