The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has celebrated the graduation of its newest Dog Squad teams, marking the end of a 12-week intensive training journey and the beginning of operational service for several general purpose and detection dogs across the state.
Held at the Brisbane Dog Squad facility at Oxley, the graduation ceremony honoured the dedication and discipline of both handlers and their four-legged partners, who completed the training program tailored for either general-purpose or detection operations.
These newly qualified police dogs (PDs) will now be deployed to units in Townsville, Bundaberg and Brisbane, bolstering specialist policing capability across Queensland.
Each canine graduate was formally presented with the QPS PD ceremonial collar – a symbolic recognition of their readiness to serve on the frontline for community safety.
A further two PDs and their handlers were awarded the Queensland Police Canine Service Medal, commemorating five years of service.
As part of the ceremony, attendees also took a moment to reflect on the legacy and sacrifices of past PDs.
Memorial stones were laid in tribute to the loyal canines who served with courage and distinction, many of whom were instrumental in high-risk operations, major investigations and critical response efforts.
Officer in Charge of Dog Squad, Acting Senior Sergeant Ash Purvey, said the purpose of the event was to celebrate the new graduates, honour past and present canine partners, and highlight the lasting bond between handlers and their PDs.
"Today we celebrate the future of canine policing in Queensland, while also recognising the dogs who paved the way with their service," Acting Senior Sergeant Purvey said.
"Each of the stones represent our partners and protectors - who have become part of our family."
The QPS Dog Squad has grown significantly since its inception in 1972.
Today, it comprises 71 general purpose dogs and 20 specialist detection dog teams who are trained to assist in tasks ranging from tracking offenders to detecting drugs, firearms and explosives.
Each graduating team demonstrated exceptional discipline and operational readiness throughout training - a testament to the capability and professionalism embedded in QPS specialist units.
Superintendent David French of Operations Support Command commended the graduates and emphasised the importance of ongoing investment in specialist policing.
"These teams represent our commitment to innovative, adaptable and effective frontline policing," Superintendent French said.
"By continuing to invest in our Dog Squad, we are equipping our officers, both human and canine, with the tools to meet the complex demands of modern policing."
As the newest PD teams step into service, they join a proud legacy of courage, loyalty, and partnership - values etched not only into their collars, but now also into the very stones that honour those who served before them.
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