Santa Cruz Canine Unit Gains National Recognition for Operational Excellence

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Local Police Canine Unit has become a national leader, recognized for its effective operations, high-standard facilities, and highly skilled officers. The partnership between officer Oliver Herrera Mesa and his dogs, Cásper and Naya, perfectly illustrates the bond between handler and animal that is essential for successful public safety work.

The unit’s strategic importance was clear during last February’s Carnival, when officers carried out nearly 200 drug-prevention operations. A standout success occurred in the El Chicharro area, where the team worked with the National Police to arrest an individual carrying over two kilograms of hashish. The dogs’ capabilities go beyond drug detection; they are also trained to locate cash, as demonstrated during a home search that uncovered 5,000 euros.

The unit primarily uses Belgian Malinois, which undergo a rigorous two-year training program focused on early socialization. Officer Herrera Mesa emphasizes the importance of "disobedient intelligence"—a trait that allows the dogs to prioritize finding illicit items over simply following commands. This ensures accuracy in busy environments like public streets or schools.

Supported by the Santa Cruz City Council, the unit is committed to high standards of animal welfare. When the dogs retire around age ten, they are adopted by their handlers to live as family pets. This deep emotional bond is key to the dogs' psychological well-being, helping them maintain the focus needed for high-pressure tasks, such as disaster response and searching for missing persons.