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Gibraltar Defence Police currently has over ten working dogs which are based at its headquarters in Devil’s Tower Camp.

This includes three breeds of dogs – German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, who all work as general-purpose dogs and a Springer Spaniel, known as sniffer dogs, who can find illegal drugs, quantities of cash, explosives, and digital media storage devices, such as hard drives and SIM cards.

Six years ago, the kennels had a major renovation where heated floors were installed for those cold winter months and air conditioning for those warm summer days. A one-way glass window also installed to allow the dogs to have some privacy. There is a hatch that leads to a larger outside area so the dogs can go out and stretch their paws.

As well as changes to the inside kennels, the outside compound now consists of a separate exercise area featuring grass and play equipment such as tunnels and an agility ramp to help stimulate the dogs and encourage play. At the back of the establishment there is a shower room, a medical room and of course, the room that holds their tasty food.

A former GDP Officer, Melvyn Brier, created a memorial area where he handcrafted a plaque for those Police Dogs who dedicated their working lives to the force.

Chief of Police Rob Allen said, “Police dogs are a valuable asset to operational policing and a well-loved part of the Gibraltar Defence Police family, as well as the general public. Members of the public can rest assured that our four-legged constables are well-looked after in five star accommodation.”

By the age of 7, the dogs are usually ready to hang up their K-9 badges and enjoy spending the rest of their days relaxing. The dogs will either retire locally or they will be sent back to the UK to be rehomed. This December, PD Anja will be retiring and moving in with PC Sodi.

Happy retirement Anja!


RFA Fort Victoria

RFA Fort Victoria arrived at HMNB Gibraltar for a scheduled logistics visit.

Providing vital support to the wider fleet by acting as a stores ship and a fleet tanker, Fort Victoria is fitted with four central replenishment rigs enabling her to replenish two warships simultaneously with fuel and stores – with another refuelling rig at her rear.

Having a large flight-deck, hangar and maintenance facilities for helicopters, Fort Victoria also has embarked specialists with a variety of roles in the monitoring, surveillance and preparation for a response to any life threatening incident at sea.


GDP Officer Adrian Sodi

A Gibraltar Defence Police Sergeant was surprised when he was called into the GDP Headquarters to receive a commendation.

Police Sergeant 44 Adrian Sodi is one of the GDP’s Police Search Advisors (PolSA), a role which he carries out in addition to his normal duties as one the Force’s operational duty sergeants.

There are currently only three trained PolSA officers within the GDP. This specialised role, coordinating and directing searches, involves PS Sodi leading a team of licensed search officers to conduct searches in advance of events throughout Gibraltar, including visiting vessels and ceremonial events. In addition, he has worked with the Royal Gibraltar Police, assisting in the conduct of significant crime scene searches.

He has been commended by the Chief of Police, Rob Allen for “His overall dedication and professionalism in leading and coordinating search operations on behalf of the force over a protracted period of significantly increased operational activity including the inaugural visit of HMS Prince of Wales to Gibraltar”.

On receiving his commendation, Sergeant Sodi commented, “I’m grateful to receive this recognition but I have to say that each and every one of these searches is a team effort, so I see this as recognition for the team as well as myself.”

While presenting the commendation, Mr Allen said, “This is a well-deserved recognition for an officer who has repeatedly gone above and beyond to deliver for this force in many roles, but in this case specifically in leading and conducting searches to an extremely high standard.”

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