Dubai Police K9 unit carried out 2,830 missions in 2021

The Dubai Police K9 Unit has carried out nearly 3,000 missions in 2021, with the dogs sniffing out 542 COVID-19 cases during airport screenings.

Operated with 63 professional trainers, the unit of 73 dogs also clocked up 1,321 security checks, 879 special missions at Expo 2020 Dubai, 480 guard duties, 53 anti-drug operations and 11 fire detections over the year. 

The unit comprises of German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, Malinois dog, English Springer, Labrador Retriever and Cocker Spaniel, with missions and tasks assigned based on the breed of the dogs.

While the "German and Dutch Shepherds and Malinois dogs handle guarding duties, lead tracking and detection... English Springer, Labrador Retriever and Cocker Spaniel specialise in recovering hidden narcotics and explosives, uncovering bodies, searching for missing persons and tracking explosives," a senior police officer explained.

The cannine recruitments are handled by a "specialised committee", with the dogs joining the force when they are aged between 10 and 18 months and serving until they touch seven years of age.

They are placed for adoption earlier based on recommendations by Dubai Police vets or trainers.