VISION

To be an exemplary specialized Unit in the Kenya Police Service.

MISSION

To offer reliable support services by use of police dogs; to Provinces and other formations in fighting crime and general law enforcement through:

• Pro-activeness
• Active participation
• Effective Response

CORE FUNCTIONS OF DOG UNIT

• Care and maintenance of Police Dogs
• Training of personnel to work with Police Dogs
• Training of Police Dogs
• Procurement of Dogs for Police work
• Breeding of Dogs for police work

• Deployment of trained officers and dogs in crime prevention and investigation .

HISTORY OF THE KENYA POLICE DOG UNIT

The first police dog in Kenya , a Bull Terrier – Poldog Jock (1948-51)

The Kenya Police Dog Unit was started on 5th October, 1948 in Nanyuki as a section of Criminal Investigation Department (CID). It was known as CID Dog Section, and was manned by two officers namely C.I Bill Warner and I.P Montgomery, with only five (5) dogs. They were assisted by six officers.

The section was later moved from Nanyuki to Nairobi Central Police Station by then, Kings Way Police Station. The dog handlers were housed at Mathare Depot. Later on, it was again moved to the Army Kennels near King George Hospital , currently Kenyatta National Hospital .

On 2nd October, 1980, the section Headquarters was moved to its present location at Lang'ata next to Lang'ata Women Prison. The Kenya Police Dog Unit Headquarters is located within Nairobi Area Provincial Dog Unit premise.

In 1988, the section was separated from the CID and became an independent Police Formation, under the command of Mr. Marimba Mugambi, SP as the first Commandant.

The current commandant is DR. HAMISI SALIM MASSA OGW S/ACP

TYPES OF POLICE DOGS

•  Patrol dogs

•  Tracking dogs

•  Firearm detectors

•  Drug detectors

•  Explosive detectors

•  Show dogs

DOG BREEDS USED BY KENYA POLICE

1. GERMAN SHERPHERD DOG

“Poldog Scott”

  USE OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS IN THE KENYA POLICE

The Kenya Police started using the GSDs in the early 50s. It is currently the mostly used dog breed by the Kenya Police. The dog is trained for tracking and patrol work. GSDs have proved to be resilient and successful at work. They have been posted essentially to all provinces and other Police Formations for protection duties.

•  LABRADOR RETRIEVER

“Poldog Fido”

USE OF THE LABRADOR RETRIEVER DOGS IN THE KENYA POLICE

The dogs were first used by the Kenya Police in the mid 80s. They are mainly trained for weapon, narcotic and explosive detection. Black and yellow Labrador Retrievers have been introduced into the Kenya Police.

•  ROTWEILLER

“Poldog Taze”

USE OF THE ROTWEILLER DOGS IN THE KENYA POLICE

Rotweillers are solely trained for patrol work in which they have proved to be very effective. The use of the Rotweillers in the Kenya Police has tremendously increased since 2004.

•  ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL

“Poldog Jenny”

USE OF THE ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL IN THE KENYA POLICE

They are trained for explosive and narcotic detection. The Kenya Police first introduced this breed in the year 2006. Their numbers have grown remarkably since then. They have proved to be agile during search.

ACQUISITION AND BREEDING

The Kenya Police acquires its dogs through purchase from breeders locally and abroad.

The Unit also breeds dogs for police work only from selected stud dogs and brood bitches. Acquisition and breeding of dogs is demand driven. The Unit has established three breeding centres currently; Nairobi , Nakuru and Nyeri.

Puppies of different breeds at Nairobi Breeding Centre.

CALENDER OF EVENTS

•  Madaraka day parade - 1 st June

•  Public Service Week Exhibition - August

•  Kenyatta Day Parade - 20 th October

•  Nairobi ASK International Trade Fair Exhibition - October

•  East Africa Kennel Club Competitions

•  East Africa G.S.D League - June and November

•  Labrador Retriever Club of East Africa - October/November

ANY OTHER INFORMATION

Expansion of kennels

The Unit embarked on kennel expansion programme during the 2004-08 Kenya Police Strategic Plan implementation. In conjunction with other Formations and Provinces kennels have been put up in various Police Stations. The Kenya Police long term plan is to have a police dog in every Police Station in Kenya .

Dogs being received at the Railway Police Station Kennels, Nairobi on 17/12/2008. The kennels were built in partnership between Kenya Police and Posta Kenya .

O.C.P.D Wajir receives newly posted sniffer dogs and handlers in October 2008. Poldogs Visha and Troon are the first Police Dogs to be posted to North Eastern Province .

Dog Unit officers inspect kennels at the J.K.I.A on 31/12/2008.

PHOTO GALLERY

A police officer posing with poldog Scott.

Labrador puppies pose for a photo.

A police show dog undergoing agility training.

Labrador puppies aged 2 months

Poldog Polly at a sit position on a platform.

A police dog handler with a Rottweiller.

Officers and Poldogs listening keenly during a briefing session.

.

Officers and Poldogs pose for a photo during obedience training session

Police Dog Unit patrol car.

Contacts: Kenya Police Dog Unit, P.O Box 40336 – 00100, NAIROBI

Tel: +254 020 602395

Fax: +254 020 606076

Email: commandantdogunit@yahoo.com