GUWAHATI, June 30 - Assam Police has written to the National Security Guards (NSG), the country�s elite counter-terror force, along with the heads of all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), seeking inputs about the country�s most potent breeds of military canine and their training module.
Based on their response, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is the nodal department for maintenance of dog squad for Assam Police, is contemplating to raise an improved team of canines in the State.
Similarly, the number of dog handlers in the State will also be increased to ensure better performances.
Sources told The Assam Tribune that the CID is planning to constitute a board of canine experts for the first time in the State, which would be mandated to look into all aspects related to the canine force in the State, including their induction and training.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (CID) Debajit Hazarika, when contacted, told this reporter that communications have been sent by the CID to the heads of NSG, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) seeking their comments on the best available practices.
�Once the expert comments are received, we plan to emulate the best practices for the Assam Police,� said Hazarika.
�Basically, we have approached elite forces like the NSG to get a feel about the utility of the canines depending on their breed. Along with the canines, we have also sought their view on the training module of the dog handlers, which is equally important,� Hazarika pointed out.
�The Indian Army will also be consulted as and where needed,� Hazarika said.
The NSG has procured head-mounted K-9 goggles fitted with cameras and LED lights for its dog squad a few years back which helps the handlers of the canines monitor operations better.
