3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
07.19.2011 BASRAH, Iraq - The police working dog program for the Iraqi police here in Basrah is expanding with assistance from Stability Transition Team Enforcer, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
An Iraqi policeman trains with his police dog on explosives detection at a canine training facility in Basrah, Iraq. (Photo by: Spc. Jared Forsythe, 55th Signal Co., (Combat Camera) 3AAB, 1st Cav. Div.)
The police have started to maximize the use of these highly trained and skilled canines. They currently have seven dogs trained for detecting explosives and drugs, and plan to add five more to the team.
“These dogs are extremely exceptional.” said Maj. Kevin Kreie, a military police officer with the STT who works with the canine team trainers.
Kreie, witnessed their capabilities during a recent visit for an assessment of the canines and their handlers. He further explained that the dogs are able to respond not only to explosive materials that are present, but can alert the handler of an odor indicating a residue of a cache that was moved.
This canine team is another weapon against terrorism and explosive smuggling through the 55 checkpoints in Basrah.
Lt. Col. Gregory Stokes, the STT commander said, “Programs like these show the true progress of law enforcement in Iraq.”
The current kennel and training area co-located with a local police station are temporary, and can only house the seven dogs. The team will eventually move to a permanent facility capable of holding 14 canines.
“Once this move happens, the Iraqi police will double the missions they currently provide, and further increase Basrah’s security.” said Stokes.
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