Commissioner Stewart and Police Minister Ryan with Senior Constable Chad McLeod with PD Euko and Sergeant Sean Baxendell with PD Quin, Queensland Police sayn
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan joined officers from the Brisbane Dog Squad today to announce the rollout of protective vests for police dogs.
The QPS Dog Capability Unit has been conducting research on stab resistant harness vests for police dogs to offer greater protection to important members of the police family.
The chosen harness was developed in New Zealand followings its success with its police dog squad.
The QPS Dog Capability Command has purchased sufficient harnesses to fit all QPS General Purpose dogs.
Police dogs across the state will be fitted with these harnesses over the coming months with some dogs already hitting the streets in the vests.
The harness is stab-resistant and multi-purpose and is fitted with layered polymer panels to shield the vital organs of police dogs.
The robust overall design is made from milispec nylon and material which does not absorb moisture and will provide the dogs protection from kicks and blows.
When the dogs are fitted with the harness they will have a similar level of protection as an officer does when wearing a stab resistant body armour vest.
The harness weighs just over one kilogram and is designed so it will not impair agility and speed.
The harnesses are designed to be worn by police dogs throughout an entire shift and also have the ability for ice packs to be inserted into the harness to aid in the cooling of the dogs, which is particularly important for Queensland’s climate.
Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said protective vests were an excellent addition.
"Police Dogs serve the Queensland community selflessly and are an important frontline policing tool directly responsible for the apprehension of more than 1000 offenders every year," Commissioner Stewart said.
"These new vests afford a greater level of protection to such an important and valued police resource."
