In a bid to shed light on the often-overlooked heroes of the police force, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has initiated a campaign to promote and highlight the activities of the police department’s K9 squad, known as the “Bengaluru Paw Patrol.” This novel approach aims to bring attention to the invaluable contributions of police dogs and their handlers, who work diligently to maintain law and order in the city.
Bengaluru top cop emphasised the importance of recognising all facets of the police department, including units that often remain in the shadows. He stated, “The police department encompasses numerous units, but some are more visible to the public than others. Units like the K9 squad are equally vital, yet not widely recognised. Even a police dog is equivalent to a police officer for practical purposes, each with its own individual identity, and we want to highlight that.”
The Bengaluru Police Dog Squad currently boasts an impressive roster of 62 dogs, each of whom is paired with two dedicated handlers. Among these canine officers, multiple breeds serve various specialised roles. The squad includes K9s, Dobermans, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Labradors, and several other breeds, carefully selected for their unique skill sets.
Dayananda elaborated on the roles these dogs play within the force, saying, “Our K9s are utilised for raids on the houses of drug peddlers, as these breeds excel in crime and narcotics detection. Labradors are particularly adept at sniffing duties, while Dobermans excel in crime detection, and German Shepherds are invaluable for bomb detection and narcotics identification.”
To increase public awareness and engagement with the Bengaluru Paw Patrol, the Bengaluru police recently launched an official X (formerly Twitter) account dedicated exclusively to the Dog Squad. Commissioner Dayananda highlighted the objectives of this initiative, saying, “We created this account to identify people’s issues, educate them about dog-related topics, and raise awareness about our four-legged officers. Since the launch of the Bengaluru Paw Patrol (BLRK9Cops) account on X just a month ago, we have received a positive response from the community.”
The Bengaluru Paw Patrol’s official X account serves as a platform for sharing stories, insights, and updates about the K9 unit’s activities. It also aims to bridge the gap between the police department and the public by fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for these furry officers.
In addition to their operational roles, the dogs and handlers of the Bengaluru Police Dog Squad actively participate in community outreach events, demonstrations, and awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to showcase the skills and abilities of these remarkable dogs while fostering a stronger bond between law enforcement and the citizens they serve.
As the Bengaluru Paw Patrol gains momentum on social media, Bengaluru top cop Dayananda’s vision to promote the tireless efforts of the K9 unit and its handlers is becoming a reality. With their unique talents and unwavering dedication, the four-legged officers of the Bengaluru Police Dog Squad continue to make invaluable contributions to the safety and security of the city.
