New police dog handlers complete training

Four police dogs and their handlers are the latest highly trained officers to join Devon and Cornwall's canine unit.

The officers and their faithful companions have taken part in a passing out parade to mark the end of their training.

The group began their dog training in September and successfully passed an intensive two-day assessment with flying colours.

The examination was carried out by PC Nick Dalrymple from Avon and Somerset Police.

Paul Glennon, Canine Development Officer and Course Instructor, said: “Following the assessment the assessor commented that this course was the highest standard he has seen. He has assessed over 60 dogs in the last three years in different police forces.

“I am very proud of the standards achieved which is a result of the hard work put in by the students and the training staff, the quality of the dogs from our puppy scheme and all the hard work put in by our puppy walkers who have raised the dogs.”

The dogs concluded their 13-week course on Thursday 5 December by taking part in a passing out parade. The handlers’ families and all the puppy walkers who walked the dogs attended to see them officially pass out from the course.

“The hard work continues over the next 12 months as the dogs mature and learn that not everyone out there is a good guy,” added Paul Glennon.

The police dogs and their handlers have now been posted across Devon and Cornwall.