Mumbai Police Adds 6 Belgian Malinois Dogs for Security

Mumbai Police is expanding its Belgian Malinois dog squad, adding six dogs to strengthen explosive detection, VIP security checks and searches ahead of major public events. Known for their agility, stamina and ability to sustain prolonged searches, the breed gained global attention after the US Navy SEAL raid in Pakistan that killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

The force introduced its first five Belgian Malinois puppies in 2019, when its canine squad was largely dominated by Labradors and Dobermanns. Seven years later, Mumbai Police is looking to increase the breed’s presence, particularly for duties requiring intensive field searches and security checks before the arrival of dignitaries.

Police are also considering retiring the other dog breeds in the squad and retaining only Belgian Malinois, although the proposal remains under consideration.

“The Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent, learns commands quickly and has excellent stamina. It can work for extended periods in the field and is well suited to demanding operational duties,” a senior IPS officer said.

While Labrador Retrievers continue to be used for explosive detection because of their intelligence and keen sense of smell, police officials consider Belgian Malinois particularly suitable for demanding field operations and VIP security checks.

What Will the Belgian Malinois Dogs Be Trained For?

The newly inducted Belgian Malinois dogs are being prepared for explosive detection and security duties. Their work includes searching bags, rooms and open grounds for explosives, as well as checking venues and surrounding areas before dignitaries arrive.

The objective is to identify potential threats before an event begins rather than respond only after a suspicious object or threat has been reported. The dogs are also deployed during VIP movements, major public gatherings and festivals.

During the Ganesh festival, police dogs were stationed at prominent locations and crowded areas as part of security arrangements. Their ability to conduct searches across different environments makes them useful for screening large venues and sensitive locations.

Police sources said the dogs are also deployed during bomb threat calls, including cases in which the threat is suspected to be a hoax. Their role is to help ensure that no potential danger is overlooked.

Six New Dogs Procured for Mumbai Police

Mumbai Police procured six Belgian Malinois puppies a few months ago, when they were between 45 and 60 days old. One has completed training and joined the police squad, while the remaining five are undergoing specialised training alongside two Labradors at the Dog Training Centre in Shivajinagar, Pune.

The force plans to increase the number of Belgian Malinois in the coming years, particularly for explosive detection and VIP security duties.

“We intend to increase the number of Belgian Malinois in the coming years, particularly for explosive detection and VIP security,” an officer said.

The first five Belgian Malinois puppies were introduced into Mumbai Police in January 2019. Brought from a breeder in Murbad at around 45 days old, they were assigned women constables as handlers. At the time, police said the dogs would support crime detection and investigation alongside the existing canine units.

Mumbai Police Dog Squad: Three Units and Their Roles

Following the six new inductions, Mumbai Police has a total of 30 dogs comprising Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Dobermanns. The dogs are distributed across three units, each with specific responsibilities.

• Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, Kalachowki: The unit has 12 dogs, including seven Labradors and five Belgian Malinois.
• Protection Branch, Goregaon: The unit has 12 dogs, comprising five Belgian Malinois and seven Labradors, deployed for VIP security.
• Crime Branch: The unit has six dogs, including German Shepherds and Dobermanns, used in crime scene investigations.

The dogs support security arrangements during VIP movements, large public events and festivals. Their assignments include screening locations where large crowds are expected and checking venues before important visitors arrive.

How Mumbai Police Trains Its Dogs

The training process begins while the puppies are still young. They initially remain with the squad and their handlers until they are around six months old. During this period, they receive vaccinations and regular health checks, while handlers work closely with them to build familiarity and teach them to respond to commands.

Once they reach the appropriate age, the dogs are sent to the Dog Training Centre in Shivajinagar, which operates under the Maharashtra Police Criminal Investigation Department. The specialised programme lasts approximately six months, with around seven hours of training each day divided between morning and evening sessions.

The initial stage focuses on obedience, discipline and directional commands. The dogs then progress to explosive detection exercises, learning to search bags, rooms and open spaces.

After deployment, they continue to undergo regular drills to maintain their readiness for operational duties. Weekly exercises simulate searches of sensitive locations, VIP security checks and explosive detection scenarios.

Handlers, Diet and Health Monitoring

Each police dog is assigned two handlers who care for it around the clock. The handlers help maintain the dogs’ training and readiness while monitoring their health and daily routines.

The dogs’ diets and health are monitored, with meals provided three times a day according to prescribed charts. Regular health checks and continued training are part of their preparation for field duties.

The close working relationship between handlers and dogs is also important during operational searches, where the animals must respond reliably to commands and work in crowded or sensitive environments.

Why Belgian Malinois Are Favoured for Security Operations

Belgian Malinois are known for their agility, stamina, intelligence and quick response to commands. Their ability to sustain prolonged searches makes them suitable for operations that require police personnel to screen large venues, bags and open grounds.

Compared with Labradors, Belgian Malinois are generally leaner and more agile. Labradors remain valued for their intelligence and keen sense of smell, and continue to be part of Mumbai Police’s explosive detection work.

The planned expansion reflects Mumbai Police’s focus on strengthening its canine capabilities for explosive detection and VIP security. Whether the force eventually moves to a squad consisting exclusively of Belgian Malinois will depend on the proposal to retire other breeds, which police are still considering.

Key Points

• Mumbai Police is adding six Belgian Malinois dogs to strengthen explosive detection and VIP security operations.
• The dogs are being trained to search bags, rooms and open grounds for explosives before major events and VIP arrivals.
• The force currently has 30 dogs across the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, Protection Branch and Crime Branch.
• Police are considering expanding the Belgian Malinois presence and potentially retaining only the breed in the canine squad.

FAQs

Why is Mumbai Police adding more Belgian Malinois dogs?

Mumbai Police is expanding the breed’s presence because of its agility, stamina, intelligence and ability to sustain prolonged searches. The dogs will support explosive detection and VIP security checks.

What tasks will the Belgian Malinois dogs perform?

They are being trained to search bags, rooms and open grounds for explosives and help police check venues and surrounding areas before dignitaries arrive.

How many dogs does Mumbai Police currently have?

Mumbai Police has a total of 30 dogs, comprising Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Dobermanns, distributed across three units.

Where are the new dogs receiving specialised training?

The dogs are undergoing specialised training at the Dog Training Centre in Shivajinagar, Pune, which operates under the Maharashtra Police Criminal Investigation Department.

Will Mumbai Police retain only Belgian Malinois?

Police are contemplating retiring the other breeds and retaining only Belgian Malinois, but the proposal is still under consideration.