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CPA gets 3 K-9 dogs to boost ports’ security
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Posted on Sep 24 2008
The Transportation Security Administration has awarded three certified K-9 dogs to the Commonwealth Ports Authority to boost security measures at NMI airports and seaports.
The three bomb-sniffing dogs arrived on island last week from Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
Three CPA police officers—Mark Toves, Byron Kaipat, and Jessie Castro—also completed 10 weeks of K-9 training at Lackland Air Force Base.
CPA ports police deputy chief Jordon Lee Kosam said yesterday that it is the first time for CPA to acquire K-9 dogs.
Before, only the CNMI Customs Division had K-9 dogs.
Kosam said the primary duty of CPA’s K-9 dogs is to provide an additional element to explosive recognition at airports and seaports
He said the K-9 dogs may also be needed in detecting explosives in other areas such as buildings and schools.
“They’re there for recognition of improvised explosive device and to safeguard life and property,” Kosam said.
He said CPA and Customs will be working together in enforcing the K-9 programs.
“Having three K-9 teams from CPA and one from Customs make it better for us to work together. Having three additional dogs means it is easier for everybody to cover areas that need to be covered such as the airports, seaports and other government places,” he added.
