SIPA

Bearing in mind the competence and priorities of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and with particular emphasis on the fight against terrorism and organised crime, the SIPA Management is determined to strengthen the capacities of the Agency so it could comply with current trends and respond to all tasks and security challenges in the future. In this context and in accordance with the new SIPA Rulebook on Internal Organisation the preconditions have been created for positions of police officers – dog handlers within the Support Section of the SIPA Special Support Unit.

In accordance with best European practice, SIPA has purchased three four-month old Belgian Shepherds (Malinois), which will be trained as service dogs. It is planned to train two dogs for dual purpose – one will be trained as attack and explosives detection dog and another as attack and drug detection dog, while the third will be trained as anti-terrorism operations dog.
The socialization and habituation period is ongoing, followed by basic obedience training, and then training in police tactics. According to the training plan, the dogs will complete the training at the age of 18 months.

SIPA police officers - dog handlers assisted by eminent service dog instructors from partner B&H agencies are investing huge efforts, patience and love in training of the dogs spending 24 hours a day with them. Police dogs are trained to support police officials of the Special Support Unit in the fight against the most complex types of crime and to increase the operational capabilities of this elite and highly professional unit. As part of the process of strengthening the overall capacity of SIPA, the preconditions for construction of a modern HQ of the SIPA Special Support Unit have been created and this will be realised in the future period.