Hong Kong Customs and the City University of Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday to advance the operational effectiveness of Customs detector dogs through the Smart Collar Research Project.
Assistant Commissioner (Boundary and Ports) Chiang Yi-lee signed the agreement with CityU at the Customs Headquarters Building. Chiang acknowledged the enduring partnership between Customs and CityU, which encompasses various collaborative initiatives in academic programs and specialized training for the Customs Canine Force.
The MOU launches the Smart Collar Research Project, which aims to study, analyze and optimize the utilization of data collected from detector dogs including heart rates, respiratory rates and temperatures to enhance enforcement capabilities and welfare standards.
The Assistant Commissioner (Boundary and Ports) of Customs and Excise, Ms Chiang Yi-lee (right), and the Vice-President (Research) of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Anderson Shum (left), signed a MOU to advance the operational effectiveness of Customs detector dogs through the Smart Collar Research Project.
CityU, as Hong Kong's pioneer and sole provider of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme, has been offering support to Customs through comprehensive breeding training programs, veterinary nursing expertise and puppy development courses.
The Customs Canine Force, established in 1975, currently maintains 70 detector dog teams specializing in narcotics, explosives, currency, firearms and tobacco detection, supported by more than 100 officers. Customs initiated its breeding program in 2020, which has successfully produced 36 puppies to date.
