OSCE Centre concludes training course in Kazakhstan on using dogs to detect explosives

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 31 October 2014 - A three-week advanced training course on the use of detection dogs co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, the Canine Centre of the Customs Control Committee of Kazakhstan and the US Embassy in Astana concluded today in Almaty.  

The event aimed to help law enforcement officers deepen their knowledge and enhance their skills in the effective use of dogs in security-related operations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana, said: “In combating terrorism and organized crime, many countries are increasingly turning to ‘man’s best friend’ for help. In the service of law enforcement agencies, dogs proved their effectiveness in preventing various criminal acts”.

Ryspek Smakov, Head of the Customs Control Committee Cynology Centre in Almaty said: "Since our centre was established in 2001, we have trained some 700 teams of dog-handlers and dogs. We consider international co-operation one of the ways to develop and have the up-to-date methods of training for Kazakhstan's law enforcement officers and their dogs. Cynology cannot be developed within one country by itself, but rather through effective international co-operation.”

This training course focused on the detection of explosives, which are widely used by criminal groups both in the country and in the region.

Thirteen canine unit officers from across the country representing the Customs Control Committee, National Security Committee, State Protection Service, Border Guard Service, Interior Ministry and the Military Police of the Defence Ministry were introduced by the Head of the Canine Centre at Austria’s Interior Ministry to best international practices in the use of canines for the detection of explosives and explosive-related materials.

The course is part of the Centre’s multi-year activities in enhancing Kazakhstan’s abilities to counter transnational organized crime.