After several weeks of training, four Police patrol handlers and dogs and four New Zealand Customs officers and their detector dogs took part in the ceremony formally recognising their graduation as operational teams.
"It's a proud day for the graduates of both our agencies, highlighting the value we place on working together to protect our borders and our communities. "The training has been a busy and demanding for the handlers, but they've risen to the challenges," says Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator of New Zealand Police Dogs.
The ceremony was hosted by New Zealand Police at the Dog Training Centre in Trentham and attended by Commissioner Richard Chambers, officials from both agencies, families and guests.
Customs Group Manager Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement, Terry Brown says, "We recognise the longstanding co-operation between Customs and Police, with our agencies working closely together to establish and support detector dog capabilities. Detector dog teams have a vital role in keeping New Zealand's borders safe and protecting our communities by helping in the fight against transnational and serious organised crime."
New Zealand Police Graduates who start in their districts next week:
• Constable Jordan and Hawke - Wellington District.
• Constable Mike and Marley - Wellington District.
• Constable Blake and Whetu - Southern District
• Constable Matt and Ulfi - Central District.
The four graduating handlers and their dogs from New Zealand Customs Service will be deployed next week also.
Inspector Southall says, "Agency partnerships are effective at both the operational and strategic level, and New Zealand Police was very pleased to support them.
I'm proud of our fantastic team here," he said. "The passion our training staff have for their role is amazing and it makes my job easier. So, thank you to everybody who contributes to the success of all the handlers and their dogs.
