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The familiar sight of disciplined police officers marching alongside their canine partners took on a deeper meaning on 3 November 2025, as the Police K-9 Unit of the Special Operations Command (SOC) celebrated its 70th anniversary with a ceremonial parade at its Mowbray Road headquarters.
The event was graced by Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck and strategic partners from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Singapore Prison Service, Singapore Armed Forces and the National Parks Board’s Animal & Veterinary Service.
A Legacy Born of Loyalty and Service
One of the highlights of the celebration was the unveiling of a 70th anniversary mosaic artwork – a vibrant visual tribute to the partnership between K-9 officers and their dogs. The mosaic represented the enduring values of courage, loyalty and service that have guided the Unit since its humble beginnings.
It all started in 1955, when Chief Inspector Frank C Pestana brought five German Shepherds from the United Kingdom to Singapore, establishing the Police Dog Unit. Since 1992, the Unit has been part of the SOC, working alongside the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) and Gurkha Contingent (GC) to bolster the Force’s operational readiness. In 2003, the Unit was renamed the Police K-9 Unit, signifying its broader mission and advanced capabilities.
Over the decades, the Unit has evolved with Singapore’s changing security landscape. Key milestones include the integration of the Customs Dog Unit with the Narcotic Detection Dog Team to enhance border security, as well as the introduction of new capabilities such as Explosive Detection Dogs in 2002, Victim Recovery Dogs in 2006, Trailing Dogs in 2010, Public Order Dogs in 2017 and Public Security Dogs in 2019.
The ceremonial parade featured more than 50 officers from the K-9 Unit, PTU, GC and SCDF, symbolising the unity and teamwork that underpin Singapore’s operational readiness. As the dogs stood poised beside their handlers – alert, disciplined and ever ready – they embodied the trust and teamwork that have defined seven decades of service.
“If I'm standing alone with her, I don't think anybody will come and disturb me," said Station Inspector Hafiz Maideen, who has been working with his canine partner, Heidi, for six years. “If I get into trouble or anything, I know my dog is there for me.”
The anniversary theme – “Commemorating the Past and Transforming for the Future” – encapsulates the Unit’s forward-looking spirit. While honouring its legacy, the Police K-9 Unit continues to embrace innovation in training, deployment and canine care, to remain agile in the face of new security threats.
Celebrating with Man’s Best Partner
The commemoration concluded on a warm note – a cake-cutting ceremony, with one cake for guests and another lovingly prepared for the dogs who serve alongside their handlers.
“From detecting explosives to safeguarding national events, our K-9 officers and their service dogs have served with unwavering commitment,” said Superintendent of Police Jerlyn Tan, Deputy Commanding Officer of the Police K-9 Unit. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come and we’ll remain steadfast in keeping Singapore safe for generations to come.”
The Singapore Police K-9 Unit celebrates 70 years of service, from its 1955 origins with five German Shepherds to today's multi-capability force protecting Singapore with explosive detection, victim recovery, and public security dogs.
