Mumbai Police adds six Belgian Malinois dogs to canine squad ahead of VIP visits

Mumbai Police is strengthening its canine squad by inducting six Belgian Malinois dogs. The aim is to improve explosive detection and security arrangements ahead of VIP visits.

Of the six, one dog has completed its training. The other five are undergoing specialised training at the Shivajinagar training centre in Pune.

The move will add to the force's ability to carry out advance security checks at sensitive locations, high-profile venues and areas that VIPs are to visit.

The dogs are being trained to find explosives and to assist police personnel during security inspections. Their work will include checking bags, searching rooms and looking for potential threats in open spaces.

Before a VIP arrives, the trained dogs will help security teams clear venues and their surroundings. As part of larger security arrangements, they will also assist in checking access points and other sensitive locations.

Belgian Malinois dogs are known for their speed, stamina, alertness and ability to follow commands, which makes them well suited to demanding security work. Their agility and focused detection skills prove valuable in operations where a thorough check must be completed in a short time.

Mumbai Police's canine squad currently has 30 dogs of four breeds: Belgian Malinois, Labrador, German Shepherd and Doberman.

The force is also considering keeping only Belgian Malinois in the squad. Under the proposed approach, dogs of other breeds could be phased out gradually, so that a single breed is relied upon more heavily for specialised security and detection duties. The change is still under consideration. If implemented, it would be a major change in the make-up of Mumbai Police's canine unit.

Mumbai Police first inducted five Belgian Malinois dogs into its canine squad in January 2019. The new induction builds on that experience, as the force wants to enhance its capability in explosive detection and preventive security operations.

Canine units play an important role in security planning for sensitive locations, public gatherings and high-profile events. Before an event or VIP movement begins, trained dogs can help officers check vehicles, rooms, entry points and open areas so that potential threats can be identified.