New course trains police officers to work with explosive detection dogs
Training, which brought together military personnel from five states, strengthens the preparation of the PM of Pará for the security of COP30
The Canine Action Battalion (BAC) of the Military Police of Pará concluded, this Monday (30), the 1st Course for Handlers and Trainers of Explosive Detection Dogs, aimed at training police officers specialized in detecting explosive devices. With 132 hours of theoretical and practical classes, the training brought together 30 military personnel, including representatives from Pará, Maranhão, Amapá, Santa Catarina, and the Brazilian Navy.
During two weeks, participants studied topics such as Applied Chemistry for Explosive Detection, Specialized Canine Training Techniques, and Fundamentals of Explosive Technical Activity.
At the closing ceremony, the general commander of the PM of Pará, Colonel Dilson Júnior, highlighted the importance of the course in light of the upcoming COP 30, in Belém, in November.
"We will have more than 150 heads of state here. We need to be prepared for risk situations, such as threats of attacks. This course comes at a good time and shows the advancement of our Military Police in preventing and responding to this type of crime," he stated.
Among the graduates, Sergeant Yuri Calhari de Freitas, from the Military Police of Santa Catarina, celebrated the opportunity:
"We came to seek knowledge to apply in our state, where we still do not have operations with explosive detection dogs. Now we will pass on everything we learned to the troops," he said.
The graduation ceremony had an emotional atmosphere with the presence of family members. The wife of 3rd Sergeant Giovani Costa, educator Keryllene Dias, spoke with pride:
"He has already taken several courses, and we always accompany him. Seeing another achievement is gratifying." The couple's daughter, Kamilly Vitória, added with a smile, "This is the second graduation of dad that I attend. I’m very proud!"
The commander of BAC, Lieutenant Colonel Salazar, congratulated the graduates and thanked the instructors from other states, such as Sergeant Fabiano Rocha (PMERJ) and Subofficer Marcone from the Brazilian Navy, as well as Professor Doctor Daniel Anunciação.
"It was a demanding course, and everyone dedicated themselves, even being away from family. We also thank the professionals who came to share updated knowledge about explosives and canine science," he said.
State-of-the-art structure - During the ceremony, the general commander also emphasized the advancements in BAC, which now has the first canine maternity in the Northern Region, aimed at breeding and training dogs.
"We already have puppies working in strategic areas, such as the Fluvial Base of Óbidos, where dogs work 24 hours sniffing drugs on boats coming from Andean countries. With this new training, they will also be able to detect explosives," he explained.
Investment and preparation for major events
The course had an investment of R$ 14.5 thousand, reinforcing the State Government's commitment to the qualification of the troops and security at large-scale events, such as COP 30. The training was supervised by the commander of BAC himself and included nationally renowned instructors.
