Dante Road: A History of the New Zealand Police Dog Section

Since then, despite some early naysayers the section has grown to a sworn staff of 183 with nine civilian staff and veterinary support from Massey University.

From one old decrepit van the section now has 135 modern vehicles.

“I congratulate those who have elicited, selected and edited these stories, and put them together under thematic headings; and I congratulate too the many interviewees for the high standard of their recollections. The essential nature of the job comes through authentically, helped by what seems to be the uncensored nature of the dialogue; this is not puffery but the real thing. Many things struck me but perhaps what stands out is the danger of the job for both handlers and dogs, the skills and love involved on both sides, the latter shown to be as important for success as it is moving.”—Richard Hill, Emeritus Professor, Victoria University, Wellington