AFP detection dogs safeguard the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit
Editor’s note: Footage of the canines training is available via Hightail
The AFP’s world-leading High-Risk Explosive Detection Dogs (HREDD) played a vital role in ensuring the safe delivery of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit this week.
Six AFP HREDDs and their handlers, along with an additional seven Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD), supported Victoria Police to provide an additional layer of security screening.
The AFP’s HREDD canine teams and members of Victoria Police Bomb Response Unit (BRU) trained together in the lead-up to this event, to check large areas for explosives and other hazardous items.
The inaugural deployment of this new capability has proven invaluable in searching a large number of areas required for an event of this size.
This event has seen AFP Canine members deploy from all Commands around Australia, including members from Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth.
This is in addition to the seven existing handlers currently stationed at Melbourne Airport, bringing the total contingent to 20.
“Explosive detection dogs have a high attention to detail, while having minimal impact on the surrounding environment, making them an ideal capability for events such as the Summit,” AFP Commander Geoff Turner said.
“Dogs have a smell processing capacity 40 times stronger than humans, and studies have shown they can find a scent as faint as one part per million.
“These dogs have significant genetic abilities that far surpass any technology available on the market to date. The HREDD program highlights the endless potential canines play in adapting to the latest threats in the evolving criminal environment."
The AFP introduced the HREDD capability in 2023, making it a first for Australian law enforcement.
Through extensive, four-month long training with AFP trainers, HREDDs have the ability to work off-lead independently away from their handler, providing handlers significant safety enhancements.
Handlers can still maintain control of the off-lead dogs at distance, using hand directions and communication tools such as silent whistles and lasers.
Extensive research was conducted when developing this canine capability, including hunting and retrieval methodologies, as well as practices from the US Air Force and international military.
The AFP has the largest law enforcement explosive detection dog capability in the Southern Hemisphere, with 58 explosive detection dogs deployed across Australia.
Tactical Response Negotiators and Bomb Response, Air Support Rapid Appraisal Officers and Discreet Operations in the field have contributed to the effort along with Close Personal Protection Command staff and communication operators from ACT.
This year’s Summit was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted this year’s Special Summit, which celebrated 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner.