It is said that a dog is a man’s best friend, but for the police, they are also worthy partners in the fight against crime. In fact, dogs have become a critical part of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) crime-fighting strategy, particularly in the detection of illegal narcotics, firearms, and ammunition. They are also effective partners in the search for lost human beings and the apprehension of fleeing criminals.
The Force’s new crime-fighting dogs have been identified as Byron, Vince, Ross, Warren Molly, Niko, Ben, Brenda and Ace, Rambo and Kazan. They are stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)’s K-9 Section at Eve Leary and are supervised by Assistant Superintendent, Ronald Ali and Inspector Narine Lall.
In 2016, police ranks received intelligence that a taxi driver of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo was carrying an illegal firearm in his vehicle. Several ranks searched the vehicle but were unable to find anything.
It was the dog, ACE, who led the lawmen to the left front door panel of the vehicle where an unlicensed .38 Smith and Wesson revolver with five live matching rounds were discovered. The taxi driver was subsequently charged. Furthermore, the force is using the dogs to combat drug trafficking throughout the country, including at the nation’s ports of entry. They are also used for the detection of blood and contraband and to conduct patrols in crime-prone areas.
The breeds include German Shepherds, Belgium Shepherds, Doberman, Labrador Retriever, Belgium Tavern Shepherd, Springer Spaniel and a mix breed of German and Belgium Shepherd.
From 2006 to 2013, sixteen police ranks from CID’s Canine Section were trained overseas in different areas when it comes to the handling and commanding of Police Dogs.
The GPF said that a lot of emphasis continues to be placed on the training of ranks both locally and overseas.
