The two golden Labradors are recent puppy graduates from an eight-week detective school in South Australia and both turned two last month. 

Tasmania Police Commander Jo Stolp said the dogs were a fabulous investigative tool. 

“We get the best of both worlds, with the officers and the dogs,” Commander Stolp said. 

Tens of thousands of dollars will be invested in the dogs and their ongoing training and other costs. 

Commander Stolp said Quinn and Olson would initially be stationed in the North-West until a new handler was on board then one will be moved to the south. 

Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Michael Ferguson said the police dogs provided a vital resource aspect of operations. 

“This is about humans working with the dogs together in a team being able to detect firearms, explosives and drugs that human beings are not able to detect easily,” Mr Ferguson said. 

“Given both Olson and Quinn passed their courses, despise the usual success rate being only 50 per cent, Tasmania Police has been able to increase the capacity of its Dog Handling Unit.” 

Police now have four drug detector dogs in addition to the two new firearms and explosive detector dogs. 

Tasmania Police has also farewelled retiring explosive detector dog Cassie.

Cassie is retiring after eight years of service mainly in airports, freight and passenger and vehicle inspections at the Spirit of Tasmania.