It will take some getting used to for police officer Chris Nieman in the near future. His very best buddy Ben is retiring. The two spent time together day and night. On the hunt for criminals, robbers and burglars. The work is now done for the Malinois. He is allowed with a dog pension.
“Ben was four when he joined the police,” says Chris. After intensive training as a service dog, Chris and Ben are paired together. The click is there immediately. Together they take many courses, obtain certificates and are eventually allowed to travel together. Tracking down and catching criminals. Because that’s why Ben ended up joining the police.
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Ben soon turns out to have an excellent sense of smell. “He searched the crime scene for fresh human odors and was able to find a trail to the suspects, for example,” says Chris.
Be in action
Take, for example, the day that a gas station along the A200 near Haarlem was robbed. Chris and Ben have to go there. “We explored the possible escape route together. Thanks to Ben, we found pieces of clothing belonging to the robbers and the investigation could continue.”
Or that robbery in Bloemendaal. Chris and Ben happen to be patrolling the area. A chase follows. The robbers dump their scooter and part of the loot. Ben traces the scents of the suspects and manages to find their escape route. They are caught, partly thanks to Ben’s good nose. “He was always instrumental in completing an investigation.”
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“We went out together countless times. We mainly worked in the southern part of North Holland. In South Kennemerland and Zaanstreek-Waterland. We also went to Broek in Waterland after that robbery in Amsterdam North. We were quickly and searched a number of homes and conducted research in the meadows.”
Ben was also deployed with the Mobile Unit. “We were often at football matches, especially those of AZ. But also at demonstrations elsewhere in the country. Ben often did not have to take action. Then he was deployed preventively to prevent escalation. Then his presence was sufficient. He always had a certain peace about him. That came in handy when we had to work somewhere ‘quietly’, but it was also nicer for colleagues on location.”
Housemates
Ben also lived with Chris. “We were together 24/7. After working hours, a switch went on for him. In private he was very social and sweet. But when he had to take action, the work switch was immediately turned on again. He had a very nice drive to work. and was really eager to get started,” says Chris proudly.
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“If Ben had done his job well, he would get a cookie. But he also really liked a certain chewing stick as a reward,” says Chris. “It was all just a game for him. A game he was very good at.”
But now it’s game over for the Malinois. “He is nine years old and that is the average age that a service dog retires. He has more than earned it. I now grant him the freedom and space like no other.”
Retirement with friends
But Ben is not going to enjoy his well-deserved retirement at Chris’s home. That’s not practical. “I recently made the step from dog handler to local police officer in the Indische Buurt in Haarlem. I am away a lot during the day and that is not good for Ben. He goes to friends of mine with a large garden, where he lives in a very warm nest. ends up. But I will definitely continue to see him. They live near me.”