Caboolture streets are about to get a whole lot safer as the Queensland Police Service deploys its newest four-legged crime fighters to the region, pushing the state’s canine unit to a record-breaking 115 dogs and making it the largest in history.
Family Ties on the Frontline
The recent graduation of five new police dog teams brings a unique, family-focused dynamic to the frontline. Following a demanding 12-week training course, the dogs and their human partners have officially joined the ranks to handle general duties, offender tracking, and complex search operations. Among the highly skilled German Shepherds are two legacy dogs, bred directly from currently serving police animals.
This highlights the ongoing success of the state’s internal breeding program. Even more unusual is the graduation of a father-and-son duo, dogs Xero and Jero. The pair completed their training side by side before heading to their respective postings, adding a unique generational element to the squad’s expansion.
Boosting Safety in the Caboolture Region
The Moreton Dog Squad, which serves the Caboolture community and surrounding areas, is a major beneficiary of this historic growth. Senior Constable Ryley Kajewski with dog Hooper, alongside Senior Constable Sam Stutsel with dog Jero, are the newest additions to the local Moreton team. Their arrival means increased visibility and faster response times for high-risk situations in the local neighbourhoods.
Across the state, the dog squad now operates from 15 locations. The bulk of the canine unit remains in Brisbane, but regional areas are seeing significant boosts. A brand-new handler position was created in Rockhampton, where Senior Constable Michael Festing and Senior Constable Riki Stewart will patrol with dogs Xero and Bruno. Meanwhile, Constable Morgan Prendergast and dog Izzy are heading north to serve the Townsville community.
Beyond Human Capabilities
The dogs provide operational support that goes far beyond what human officers can achieve alone. Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman observed that the animals and their handlers show immense resilience and are heavily relied upon during high-risk and dangerous events. He noted that reaching this historic staffing milestone allows the police service to deliver better safety outcomes exactly where communities need it most.
The handlers themselves feel a deep sense of responsibility and connection to their new roles. Constable Prendergast shared that his dog shows incredible determination, and the intense training period helped them build a deep bond and mutual trust. He expressed his eagerness to return to his hometown and protect his local community.
State officials echoed this sentiment, with Police Minister Dan Purdie stating that the animals are essential for tracking dangerous suspects and finding missing people. Purdie noted that after months of demanding preparation, the latest graduates are fully equipped to protect communities from the northern cape right down to the border.
Published Date 12-June-2026
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