New dog squad joins Bundaberg police

The Queensland Police Service has welcomed its newest Dog Squad recruits, with dogs to join police teams in Bundaberg, Townsville and Brisbane.

The latest QPS Dog Squad graduates, including a dog team heading to Bundaberg, celebrated their official induction at Oxley.

The Queensland Police Service has welcomed its newest dog squad graduates, with one of the newly trained police dogs to be stationed in Bundaberg.

The graduation ceremony at the QPS Dog Squad facility in Oxley marked the end of a 12-week intensive training course for general purpose and detection dogs and their handlers.

The Bundaberg-bound dog is among several recruits being deployed across Queensland, with others joining teams in Brisbane and Townsville.

Each canine graduate was formally presented with a QPS Police Dog ceremonial collar at graduation, a symbol of their readiness to join the frontline in community safety roles, including offender tracking and specialist detection work.

Memorial stones laid at the Brisbane Dog Squad headquarters pay tribute to former police dogs who served with distinction in high-risk operations across Queensland.

The day also recognised the service of current and former Dog Squad teams, with two dogs and their handlers receiving the Queensland Police Canine Service Medal for five years of service.

A touching part of the ceremony involved the laying of memorial stones in tribute to past police dogs, honouring their legacy and role in major investigations, critical incidents and high-risk operations.

Dog Squad officer in charge Ash Purvey said the event celebrated the unique bond between handlers and their dogs.

Memorial stones laid at the Brisbane Dog Squad headquarters pay tribute to former police dogs who served with distinction in high-risk operations across Queensland.

“Today we celebrate the future of canine policing in Queensland, while also recognising the dogs who paved the way with their service,” he said.

“Each of the stones represents our partners and protectors who have become part of our family.”

The QPS Dog Squad has grown significantly since it was established in 1972. It now includes 71 general purpose dogs and 20 specialist detection dog teams trained to assist in operations involving drugs, firearms, explosives and tracking offenders.

Superintendent David French from Operations Support Command said the new teams – including the one heading to Bundaberg – are vital to strengthening QPS’s frontline capability.

“These teams represent our commitment to innovative, adaptable and effective frontline policing,” he said.

“By continuing to invest in our Dog Squad, we are equipping our officers, both human and canine, with the tools to meet the complex demands of modern policing.”