The Public Security Police Force has been utilising a Police Dog Group since 1995. It is a specialised police unit in Macao equipped with canines that are used for professional police tasks. The six major ones are: daily patrols; drug detection; security checks; search and rescue operations; assistance in criminal investigations and tracking; and crowd control.

Bite training is a part of patrol dog preparation. It is aimed at enhancing the response speed and effectiveness of the dogs in chasing and subduing suspects. Such training also strengthens the collaboration between the dogs and their handlers.

Drug detection dogs are primarily stationed at boundary crossing points. The canines’ keen sense of smell can assist in inspecting luggage and goods, and can swiftly detect any illegal drugs hidden within them.

A handler trains a dog in a security task, utilising the animal’s sharp sense of smell to inspect either the items in the vehicle, or the vehicle itself, and checking for things that are either dangerous or prohibited.

A search and rescue dog, carried by a police officer, is preparing for a mission involving a rappel descent via rope. This showcases the fearless and professional spirit within even a small search and rescue dog.

A search and rescue dog and its handler work together to accomplish a rappel-descent mission. It is an example of the training needed by both, in order to save the lives of members of the public.

The primary task of tracking dogs – thanks to their extraordinary sense of smell – is to locate either missing persons, criminal suspects, or specific items.

Swimming is one of the favourite physical training activities for police dogs, especially during the hot summer days. It not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their physical fitness and strength.

In addition to carrying out its daily policing duties, the Police Dog Group serves in a goodwill-ambassador role, connecting the police and the public. Members of the Police Dog Group visit schools across Macao on a regular basis to interact with young people and give demonstrations, showcasing the positive role of the police.

Children have the opportunity for close encounters with police dogs, fostering the youngsters’ awareness of the need to care for animals, and also building positive police-community relations.