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VIP treatment for dogs accompanying Obama's entourage
Sniffer dogs from the US Secret Service will get a treatment deserving the first dog of the United States when they visit Mumbai with President Obama's entourage. Customised SUVs will be used to transport the canines around the city as they sniff out any possible security threats.
"The US Consulate has asked for more than 10 customised cars for dogs during the President's visit on November 6 and 7. These cars will apparently move with the President's convoy and will also be stationed across the Taj hotel," a source told MiD DAY.
 Sniffer dogs will be part of President Obama's entourage
A source from Geetee Travels, the company in charge of the logistics for the visiting entourage, revealed that more than 150 cars, including the likes of Toyota Corolla, along with state-of-the-art buses and trucks have been booked by the consulate.
"It took about two months for us to organise the logistics. For the comfort of the dogs, the back seats in the cars were removed and the interiors were refurbished to ensure they were no sharp edges. Never before, have we seen such VIP treatment for animals," said the source.
The company has also assigned four cars for sniffer dogs from the Mumbai Police that are stationed near Taj Hotel. The number is set to increase once the President is in the city.
"The logistics company will have a desk inside the hotel for the convenience of the President's associates. Cars on standby can be accessed at the desk," said a source from the hotel.
In addition to providing the vehicles, Geetee Travels has also trained their staff in basic etiquettes before they interact with the US personnel.
"We have given basic etiquette lessons to the chauffeurs so that they can communicate comfortably. Greetings like 'welcome madam/sir, good morning' etc has been taught to them," revealed a source.
Explaining the ordeal, the source said, "The past three months has been very challenging. There was a trial run where we were assigned the to look after the logistics of a small team. They appoint us after they were satisfied with our work." Geetee has also been asked to submit ID proofs of all the involved employees.
K-9 Canines
In the 70s, the US Secret Service created the K-9 division, which paired specially trained dogs with handlers, or K-9 Technicians. These special dogs were trained to detect drugs, explosives, and firearms.
Although German Shepherds were first used, the Secret Service now uses only Belgian Malinois dogs from Holland.
Known for their adaptability to new climates and environments and their work drive, these dogs are exceptional members of the Secret Service. They generally work 7-11 years in the Secret Service and grow to an average 75 pounds.
All the President's men The various agencies entrusted the job of protecting the most powerful man in the world: The CIA
The Central Intelligence Agency, a successor of the wartime Office of Strategic Services (OSS) known for its espionage, is concerned with international intelligence gathering.
It gathers, collates and evaluates information about foreign governments, corporations, and individuals relevant to American security. The CIA has the ability to act if the US is perceived to be at risk.
 The security personnel for American President Barack Obama arrive at Trident Hotel in Nariman Point to do a recce
With a string of agents around the world to report back to the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, the agency is notorious for its covert operations.
It advises public policymakers, undertakes paramilitary actions and exerts foreign political influence. The FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the premier law enforcement agency of the US. It gathers domestic intelligence, and works to put a stop to threats from within the US.
It assists local police in handling major cases, like murder, cross-state crimes, and kidnappings. If someone within the US threatened the country's security, it is the FBI's business.
The FBI also handles domestic surveillance, maintains federal watchlists, most wanted documentation, and surveillance services on suspicious individuals inside the US to neutralise any threat. Secret Service
The Secret Service is the US's first domestic intelligence and counterintelligence agency. This federal agency assumes:
1 Treasury roles: prevention and investigation of counterfeiting of US currency and US treasury bonds notes and investigation of major fraud.
2 Protective roles: ensuring the safety national leaders and their families, such as the president, past presidents, and so on.
Number Game
10 Number of customised cars for sniffer dogs that are part of President's entourage
150 Approximate cost of surveillance system codenamed C4Eye that will be used for the security of US president Barack Obama when he visits Delhi.
330 km The stretch of seashore that will be patrolled by ships and vessels from the Indian Navy, the US Navy and the Coast Guard to prevent any attack during President Obama's visit |