By KT Reporter
Police in Oyam District have strengthened their crime-fighting capacity with the deployment of a sniffer dog, named Cruz, as part of efforts to enhance investigations and community policing.
The dog was delivered this week by the Police Canine Unit headquarters in Nsambya and is part of a broader initiative to modernise policing and improve crime detection across the country.
Inspector of Police Benson Acwera, the Coordinator of Canine Unit Training, said Cruz’s services will be provided free of charge to the public.
He urged residents to report crimes promptly to nearby police stations, posts, or local leaders to enable timely deployment. “Once an incident is reported, the canine unit can be deployed through the nearest police station to support investigations,” Acwera said.
The District Police Commander (DPC), ASP Francis Okongo, said the sniffer dog will play a critical role in supporting investigations, particularly in tracking suspects and gathering evidence from crime scenes.
“Cruz is a well-trained dog, and his presence in Oyam District will greatly support police in carrying out investigations right from the crime scene,” Okongo said.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Patrick Ocen, welcomed the deployment, describing it as a reflection of the government’s commitment to modern and effective policing.
“The deployment of canine dogs in the district will help police investigate cases more efficiently and track suspects without unnecessary delays,” Ocen said.
Local leaders have called on residents to cooperate with police and protect the sniffer dog to ensure its effective use. Sam Owili, the LC I Chairperson of Teduka Cell, urged the community to report crimes early and support police operations.
“The dog is here to help us. People should protect it and work with the police so it can serve the community effectively,” Owili said.
Police say the Canine Unit is also expanding into specialised areas, including search-and-rescue operations for collapsed buildings, explosive detection at public events, and narcotics detection at borders, airports, and schools.
Residents have been reminded that all canine deployments will be coordinated through the DPC’s office and local police stations, and that timely reporting of crimes is essential for effective use of the service.
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