Australian Border Force (ABF) detector dogs in Darwin have been welcomed into their new home at the Australian Federal Police (AFP) kennel at Darwin International Airport, continuing a co-sharing trend across the country and helping keep the Northern Territory safe.
The ABF Detector Dog and AFP National Canine programs have enjoyed a close relationship for some time. Last year, both agencies agreed to more actively pursue joint training, operations and consolidation of kennel facilities across the country.
ABF Commander Chris Collingwood said the kennel co-location was a great opportunity to work more closely with our Home Affairs portfolio colleagues, the AFP.
"From a community protection perspective, this relocation is a fantastic outcome for Darwin. We already work very closely with the AFP to keep the community safe – and now we will be able to take that one step further," Commander Collingwood said.
"The AFP facility is excellent and relatively new – so it made sense for us to move across from our older and smaller facility. Our two handlers and three detector dogs have now been relocated.
"I'm pleased to report that the dogs have been settling well into their new accommodation and getting on with the existing canines on site. This is actually extremely important, as the welfare of our dogs is taken very seriously and is vital for their effective use," Commander Collingwood said.
AFP Superintendent Cath Grassick said this co-location offers law enforcement the opportunity to work even more collaboratively with Border Force colleagues.
"Detector Dogs and their handlers are on the front line of our national security efforts; protecting Australians from dangerous goods at the border and assisting in high-risk law enforcement operations with not only the AFP and ABF but state and territory policing agencies as well."
"This co-location is about bringing together the very best of Australia's national security, law enforcement and operational agencies to protect Australians." Superintendent Grassick said.
Detector dogs help the ABF protect Australia's border. The detector dogs in Darwin are used for a variety of purposes, including screening incoming and outgoing passengers at the international terminal, searching incoming baggage and cargo, and for operational activity in the community. The dogs can be trained to search for narcotics, tobacco and even cash.
The two agencies have already begun kennel sharing in Sydney and Melbourne, and further opportunities are being examined in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Cairns.
