A maximum of 40 police teams, consisting of a handler and their dog, will gather in Castelló on October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd to participate in the Update Course for Local Police Canine Handlers. This initiative, pioneering in Spain and lasting 24 hours, has been approved by the Valencian Institute for Public Safety and Emergencies (IVASPE), making the city a key hub for refining the working techniques of police canine units.
Organized by the Public Safety School of the Castelló City Council (ESPAC) in collaboration with the Local Police Canine Unit, the course will combine theoretical content with a predominantly practical program designed to simulate real-life situations these teams face.
The Councilor for Security and Emergencies, Antonio Ortolá, accompanied by the Chief Commissioner, Francisco Javier Catalán; Superintendent Manuel Rodríguez Herrera, and the officer in charge of the Canine Unit, Jaime Belaire, along with Bimba, one of the unit's dogs, presented the initiative. Ortolá highlighted the course's importance for enhancing officer training and police service.
During the sessions, techniques for detecting narcotics, vehicle and establishment searches, interventions with people, and the refinement of operational capabilities will be covered. The objective is to improve training, exchange experiences, and unify action criteria. It will feature specialists from the canine units of Benidorm, Girona, Cullera, the Urban Guard of Barcelona, and Castelló.
The course will begin on Wednesday, October 21st, with a lecture on drug trafficking, followed by practical exercises. Thursday, October 22nd, will include intensive practical sessions and, starting at 6:00 PM, a public exhibition at Huerto Sogueros square. The final day, Friday, October 23rd, will feature practical exercises in an entertainment venue and the awarding of diplomas.
The Castelló Local Police Canine Unit's preventive role in school environments and police checks was also acknowledged, emphasizing the need for continuous training and coordination to enhance citizen security.
