Paw Patrol: Fighting crime with Cape Town’s four legged detectives Posted by Olerato Ramafsi on 30 September 2022 Cape Town City Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Alderman JP Smith visited the Metro Police K-9 unit with the purpose to discuss unit’s expansion. Picture: Supplied Plans for a new training and kennel facility were also discussed in order to ensure the quality of service provided by the four-legged detectives remains exceptional. Over the last year, the K-9 unit has taken part in more than 500 operations focused on drugs, firearms, explosives, copper theft, missing persons and with more than 192 drug-related arrests made over the same period. ‘This unit is a great example of how the City has invested in building a more capable and effective City police service,’ says Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. ‘This unit has become a key part of our efforts to make Cape Town safer for all. Its success gives weight to the call we have been making for the devolution of more policing powers to the City. ‘We are implementing a record R5,4bn safety budget this year and deploying an additional 230 officers. We are doing everything within our limited ability and resources to make Cape Town safer,’ he adds. To sign the City’s petition click here. In order to qualify to serve the public, the dogs go through a rigorous three-month training course with tests aimed at assessing different disciplines and the dog’s overall temperament. The period serves as a time for the dogs to bond with their handlers and also assess their strong points, whether it be detecting narcotics or explosives. Picture: Supplied Once this phase of training is complete, the dogs become active recruits and are ready to go out in the field. The skills learnt in training are repeated regularly once they are working to ensure that the quality of detection is maintained until retirement. ‘The ongoing and undisputed value of our loyal K9s have secured a permanent position within the ranks of our Metro Police, but more so within the hearts of Cape Town’s citizens,’ Alderman JP Smith, the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security,’ said. ‘The public’s heartfelt appreciation for these service animals is perhaps only outpaced by the love and trust that exists between each handler and their assigned K9 partner. We have already begun costing exercises to determine how best we are able to expand the unit, to allow us to offer even greater support to these various departments.’ Also read: Successful homecoming for rescued sea turtles in KZN Related Posts Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives 1 June 2023 As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023 1 June 2023 Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube 1 June 2023 Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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