Patna, May 23: Trained dogs would soon help cops in cracking crimes. The state government has approved the police headquarters’ proposal to set up 50 special dog squads for scientific investigation.

As part of the upgradation and expansion plan, the police headquarters had proposed last year to deploy four dogs, two sniffer and two trackers, in each district, including the rail districts. Kennel would be set up in each district for the purpose.

Deputy inspector-general (DIG) in the criminal investigation department Kamal Kishore said: “The proposal has already been approved and the process has started to procure canines of various breeds.”

According to the proposal, as many as 200 canines would be purchased in three financial years, beginning from 2013-14. In the current fiscal, a total of 17 dog squad units would be raised. While two units have been earmarked for the police headquarters, the remaining 15 units would be created in 11 police ranges and four police zones.

In the second phase, 20 units would be raised and subsequently deployed in the districts. In the third phase, 13 units would be created. The project would cost around Rs.20 crore.

At present, the state police have only 16 dogs. Majority of them are deployed in Patna. Two dogs each are deployed in Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur and Rohtas districts.

Sources in the state police headquarters said that the sanitation of the kennels would be outsourced.