TRINIDAD'S INL CANINE ACADEMY PROGRAM: AN

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000786

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
DEPT FOR INL/LP, WHA/CAR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR KCRM TD
SUBJECT: TRINIDAD'S INL CANINE ACADEMY PROGRAM: AN
ONGOING SUCCESS



1. SUMMARY: On August 3, the Trinidad and Tobago Canine
Academy held their most recent graduation for 9 new
officers and canines. In addition, the national newspapers
showcased the academy on June 14 and 15. This new unit of
the T&T Police Service was established with the assistance
of post's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL)
program in 2005. The Canine Academy, the first true joint
venture between the host government and the INL program,
and has been a source of ongoing success stories. END
SUMMARY


2. The K9 Academy is composed of 18 canines and their
respective handlers: 9 explosive detection canines (or bomb
dogs),6 tactical/narcotics dogs, 2 straight narcotics and
1 cadaver-finding dog. The bomb dogs, who work with the
Explosive Detection and Disposal Unit, have responded to
numerous threats in all parts of the country. Their debut
in service came with a series of small and still unsolved
explosions in Port of Spain in mid-late 2005. The dogs
were also put into regional service when the Indian Black
Cat Commandos requested a dog and handler to search for
bombs at Providence Stadium in Guyana during the Cricket
World Cup in Spring 2007.


3. The seven canines that make up the Tactical Narcotics
team have been instrumental in the discovery of over 350kg
of marijuana, 1 kg of heroin and 9 kg of cocaine between
May 2006 and May 2007, valued at approximately USD 670,000,
as well as finding arms and ammunition. The cadaver dog
has found one body so far and works with the Homicide
branch of the Police Division.


4. The K9 Academy continues to grow. The renovated
kennels can now house 36 canines. In an effort to
integrate female officers, the necessary accommodations are
being constructed at the academy. Recertification is
required every year and as a result, one of the initial K9
officers has reached the level of assistant instructor. Due
to the popularity and prestige of the unit, a competitive
candidate waiting list now exists.


5. Post's INL program contracted with CSI International to
conduct the initial training and certification. Since
then, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has retained
CSI for a two year period to oversee the continuous
training and re-certification of the dogs. President and
CEO of CSI, Anthony Piegare continues to receive high
praise from handlers and the Police Service as a whole, for
his level of expertise, commitment to excellence and to the
program. Post appreciates his willingness to work as a
partner to the program, ensuring its success.



SWEENEY