There are just over 400 police dogs in Sweden, including those on probation. But they need to be more.
– We have a large increase in the police that is starting to be felt now. Then it was natural for us to also increase our breadth in terms of police dog crew, says Mats Bergström.
“High desire to work required”
However, it is difficult to get hold of suitable dogs.
– It must have a very high desire to work. It must be able to work long and persistently out in the forest to search for missing people, which is our main mission. But it must also work with its handler at home in the family because it lives with them the rest of the time it is not at work, says Petter Fransson, instructor and dog handler in Greater Gothenburg.
Even when it comes to the recruitment of the dog handlers, who will also be more in the region, there are difficulties.
– We set high standards for those who will become dog handlers as well. Not everyone has it so easy to handle this dog and can have it in the home, says Petter Fransson.
Cooperation with the Swedish Armed Forces
Today there is a collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces that breeds service dogs. Currently, their goal is to breed about 200 per year. Until 2026, that production will increase to 300.
– Both we and the defense will grow in our organisations. So more dogs are needed. Therefore, we can not only rely on the Swedish Armed Forces’ breeding, but we look at all suitable dogs that we can find for our organization, says Petter Fransson.
Watch the video to meet the dog Rissies Affe who may become one of the police’s new dogs.