PM of Pará hosts unprecedented course for explosive detection dog handlers

The Military Police of Pará (PMPA) began, on this Monday (16), an unprecedented training course for explosive detection dog handlers, focusing on preparation for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will be held in Belém in November. The training aims to qualify military personnel and dogs for action at major international events, as part of the strategic security scheme planned by the State.

During the opening of the course, the head of the PM's General Staff, Colonel Ariel Sampaio, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of continuous qualification for strengthening public safety. "Training is essential for us to evolve, seek knowledge, and serve the population in the best possible way. This course is an example of that, as it is already recognized by institutions from other states and by the Armed Forces, which reinforces the credibility of our Military Police," he stated.

Preparation for COP30

The colonel also highlighted the strategic role of the PM in holding the conference.
"The Military Police will be a key player in the security of this major event. We are training and qualifying our personnel to ensure order and social peace, with autonomy and competence. It is a mission of high responsibility, but one for which we are prepared," he added.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jeogenys Salazar, commander of the Canine Action Battalion (BAC), the training is pioneering in Pará and follows national and international protocols.
"This course meets the requirements of the National Public Security Secretariat (Senasp) and international organizations. Foreign authorities request sweeps with detection dogs in places where events like COP will take place. For this, it is essential that the handler is also qualified, and not just the trained dog," he explained.

Captain Paiva, one of the participants, highlighted the specialized nature of the training. "Few states in Brazil have police officers trained to handle explosive detection dogs. It is a highly specialized activity. The expectation is very positive for the completion of the course and for our performance during COP30," he stated.

In addition to military personnel from Pará, the course includes participants from other states, such as Santa Catarina, Maranhão, and Amapá, as well as members of the Armed Forces, including Marines. Lasting 15 days, the training will continue until June 30, the scheduled date for the graduation ceremony.

During the course, students will have theoretical and practical classes, with emphasis on instructions given by a PhD in Chemistry on the mechanics of odors from explosive materials - essential knowledge for the joint work between handler and dog.

The initiative reinforces the commitment of the Military Police of Pará to public safety and strategic preparation for COP30, an event that will place the State in the global spotlight.