Army, Pune police dogs team up to practice detection

Pune: The importance of canine units in modern security operations is growing and was highlighted when sniffer dogs of the Pune police bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) were pressed into action to find a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) at Usha Kiran Hospital in Hadapsar on May 15.

The task was straightforward yet critical — determine whether explosives were present and help security personnel assess the threat.

Against the backdrop, a first-of-its-kind joint exercise between Pune police’s explosive detection dog squad and the Southern Command’s army dog unit held at the Army facility gains importance. The exercise brought together military and police canine handlers to sharpen preparedness against explosive threats.

The drill was another day at work for the dogs. However, for the handlers, it was an opportunity to compare techniques, learn new operational methods and understand how their counterparts approach the same challenge.

“The synergy between military and civil agencies is essential during such operations. The city police explosive detection dogs performed exceptionally well and successfully identified explosives during the exercise,” commanding officer of the dog unit of Southern Command told TOI.

Explosive detection dogs occupy a unique place in security architecture. Despite rapid advances in surveillance technology, scanners and sensors, trained canines remain among the most reliable resource for locating concealed explosives. Their ability to detect minute odour particles enables them to identify threats hidden inside buildings, vehicles, luggage and crowded public spaces.

Security experts and anti-terrorism squad officers said that in urban environments, where bomb threats can disrupt essential services and create widespread panic, speed and accuracy are crucial. “A coordinated response involving dog squads, bomb disposal experts and security agencies can significantly reduce risks,” a senior ATS officer told TOI.

“Cities like Pune and Mumbai are always on high alert. Therefore, strengthening dog squads is an essential and basic operational requirement of the police. The synergy with the Army unit helps trainers and handlers to enhance their skills and confidence. The Army has the best practices and training regime. The city police can adopt these factors,” a senior ATS officer told TOI.

The joint exercise featured simulated threat scenarios, search operations and deployment drills designed to test both canine capabilities and inter-agency coordination. “The programme reflected a larger shift towards integrated security planning, where military and police force jointly can prepare for evolving threats,” said a senior officer of Pune police.

“These dogs are far more than assets. They are trusted partners in the constant effort to keep the public safe — the silent warriors, “ added officials.