7 additional K-9s join police

Seven dogs from New Zealand have joined the Fiji Police Force K-9 Unit after 6 months of training in Fiji.

They include K-9 Wren handled by PC Valevatu Rabuku, K-9 Ngakau handled by PC Maciu Temo, K-9 Skully handled by Corporal Jone Wainiqolo, K-9 Fi handled by PC Isileli Bola, K-9 Storm handled by PC Aminio Koto, K-9 Patrick handled by PC Maciu Sevutabua and K-9 Hazza handled by PC Michael Peter.

They have been trained by Sergeant Joshua Raguru and Mosese Fatiaki from Fiji and Sergeant Walter Kopae from New Zealand.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci says the K-9s will assist the work of police with their operations as in the past years, there have been huge contribution by the K- 9s in curbing criminal activities, especially drugs and robberies.

He says K-9 is very important for police operations.

The K-9s also went through a 3 months training in New Zealand.

Three of the Seven K-9s will be deployed in the Western Division while 4 will be deployed in the Central Division.

Raikaci has also acknowledged the contribution of the New Zealand Government and its Police towards the development of the Fiji Police K-9 Unit.

PC Valevatu Rabuku who handles K-9 Hazza says this is his second K-9 and he enjoys working with dogs especially serving the public. He says their dogs track robbers and burglars and it has been fun working with them, especially in trying to locate suspects as arrests due to their capabilities gives the public great pleasure and satisfaction.