The OSCE Mission in Kosovo has donated five specialized vehicles to the Kosovo Police K9 Unit, aiming to enhance the operational capacity of police teams working with service dogs.
The vehicles, specially modified to ensure safe and efficient transport of police dogs and their handlers during critical missions, will increase mobility and responsiveness of K9 teams in various security operations.
In a media release, the Mission also stated that it has overseen essential renovations at existing K9 unit centers. These upgrades include advanced ventilation systems, structural reinforcements, and improved hygiene conditions to ensure the well-being and readiness of police dogs.
“The safety of all communities living in Kosovo remains our top priority,” said Ambassador Gerard McGurk, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, during the handover ceremony.
“The delivery of specialized vehicles and the renovation of K9 facilities are concrete steps toward strengthening public safety and building trust among all communities in Kosovo,” he added.
Gazmend Hoxha, General Director of Kosovo Police, emphasized that the long-standing cooperation with the OSCE has been essential to advancing the force’s operational capabilities.
This initiative is part of an extrabudgetary project funded by the German Government and the European Union, focused on boosting the K9 Unit’s ability to detect and confiscate Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), ammunition, and explosives — key priorities for maintaining public safety.
As part of the same project, the OSCE built a K9 training ground in 2023.
“Through this support, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo is contributing to the long-term development and modernization of the Kosovo Police K9 Unit. These improvements not only increase operational efficiency, but also reflect a joint commitment to safety, professionalism, and the welfare of police dogs,” the statement concludes.
