Zaventem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Zaventem Police welcome Volt, a new patrol dog trained for active duty. Volt will assist in neighborhood patrols, public events, and emergency response.
Rex, the former patrol dog, died suddenly last year. After months of rigorous training, Volt and Inspector Devroede are now able to call themselves a qualified dog team. This was done in order to find a new dog.
“He’s not just a dog, but a colleague and a buddy.”
“The relationship between a service dog and a handler is unique. During training, we don’t just learn techniques and procedures, but above all, we get to know and trust each other,”
says Inspector Devroede.
“Volt isn’t just a dog. He’s my colleague, my buddy, and also my responsibility. We’ve worked incredibly hard together to achieve this result. Volt is alert, energetic, and eager to learn; I’m proud to be working with him.”
The two participated in a demanding training regimen that prioritized discipline, collaboration, and physical preparedness.
Obedience, tracking tactics, self-control in challenging circumstances, and interventions in actual and simulated confrontations are some of the components that make up the program.
“Obtaining their certification is therefore a recognition of their perseverance, discipline, and close bond,”
says Chief of Police Eveline Van Outryve.
Volt will primarily be deployed alongside Inspector Devroede to patrol neighborhoods, parks, and during events.
“The dog’s presence should have a preventative and deterrent effect,”
the statement says.
“In addition, he will also support the response teams during arrests or high-risk situations, and they can also be deployed for targeted missions, such as tracking down individuals or checking suspicious locations.”
The mayor of Zaventem, Belgium, is also pleased with the newest addition to the police zone.
“Volt’s presence will not only increase safety on the ground, but also the general sense of security among citizens. This contributes to a visible and accountable policing system,” says Mayor Dirk Philips (Open VLD).
How will Volt’s presence impact neighborhood safety and community relations in Zaventem?
Volt, as a trained police dog, acts as a visible deterrent against criminal activity, including burglary, theft, and public disturbances. Patrol dogs are known to enhance the perceived risk for potential offenders, making neighborhoods safer.
Working alongside Inspector Jasper Devroede, Volt brings specialized skills in obedience, scent detection, and rapid response, allowing for more effective searches and quicker intervention during incidents.
Volt’s deployment at public gatherings and events helps maintain order, supports crowd control, and ensures swift action in emergencies, which collectively boosts overall security at high-traffic locations.
