High-tech body armour not on for NZ police dogs

Photo / The Daily Post

Police have ruled out high-tech kit for their front-line dogs which would allow them to be given remote commands and take pictures of offenders they were chasing.

In America, Canada and some European countries the day of the high-tech police dog has arrived with body armour fitted with wireless cameras, speakers and a microphone.

The gear allows dog handlers to see what their dogs see and issue commands through audio systems attached to the armour.

The armour and gear was customised for each dog, Police News magazine reported in its latest issue

American police said the system extended a dog handler's range to 300 metres.

One American policeman said that his dog was shot at seven times as it chased a man. Two bullets hit the dog's body armour but the dog was not hurt and overcame the man.

The lightest camera and audio system weighed 1.5kg and cost almost $26,000. The armour weighed up to 3kg.

The Police Dog Training Centre was aware of the dog body armour and technology, New Zealand police spokeswoman Kaye Calder said.

"The technology has been around for some time. It's always good to see what is available but we see no practical operational application for it in New Zealand at this time," she said.

- NZPA