In a world where the threat of drones is becoming increasingly clear, falcons trained by the police displayed their prowess in taking out the ‘hostile’ flying machines.
Hyderabad:In a world where the threat of drones is becoming increasingly clear, falcons trained by the police displayed their prowess in taking out the ‘hostile’ flying machines.
The falcons were trained by handlers at the Integrated Intelligence Training Institute (IITA) in Moinabad. The ongoing training session for the falcons is likely to end soon.
With a digital camera on the head, the falcons are released to tackle suspicious drones and bring them down.
The falcons are used by the Intelligence Security Wing (ISW) at meetings featuring VVIPs. For instance, ahead of the open air public meetings of the Chief Minister, ISW personnel deploy the falcons to clear the skies.
"These falcons have been trained to track drones that are used by miscreants and others. Based on instructions from the handlers, the falcon brings down the drone. A video camera fitted on the top of the falcon will record the operation," an ISW official told Deccan Chronicle.
Initially, the Indian Army provided similar training to falcons to track movements of drones around borders.
Also on show at the passing out parade of the IITA’s canine training centre in Moinabad were members of the K9 force which were trained in sniffing out explosives, narcotics, liquor as well as in tracking and assault operations.
The batch comprised 72 canines and 101 handlers from various state and central police units, including Telangana, Bihar, Goa, Tripura, CISF, RGIA, and RPF (Secunderabad and Vijayawada). The canines, which include 36 labrador retrievers, 8 German shepherds, and 28 Belgian malinois.
Director General of Police, Intelligence, B Shivadhar Reddy emphasised the critical role that these highly-trained canines and their handlers play in safeguarding society.
Since its inception in 2004, the canine training centre at the Integrated Intelligence training Academy (IITA), Moinabad, has trained 843 canines and 1,205 handlers.
Apart from displaying their policing skills, the K9s also wowed the crowed with a ‘namaste drill’, and ‘obedience drill’.
Stressing the importance of continuous adaptation in the face of evolving crime, Shivadhar Reddy emphasised the need for advancements in technology, forensic science, and training methodologies to ensure that law enforcement remains ahead of emerging threats.
