New Police Service Recruits Get Set to ‘Spring’ Into Action!
31 Dec 2009
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has added two new members to their ranks, having acquired Springer Spaniel pups, Rosie and Buster, for the Police Dog Training Unit.
Based in Steeple, Antrim, the pups began their training in November 2009 at just 10 weeks old. From September 2010, the dogs will be used in operations to detect drugs, money and explosives.
Inspector Allan Jones, Public Order Trainer explained the difficulties in sourcing suitable pups for search disciplines.
“In terms of breeds, we tend to work with Springer or Cocker Spaniels and Labradors as they have the relevant search characteristics, which can be honed through a range of training processes. We introduce the dog to different surroundings and get them accustomed to walking on slippery floors, going upstairs and negotiating obstacles within buildings.
“We are always on the look-out for new recruits for the Police Dog Training Unit. If you have a dog that will retrieve almost anything, is full of energy, is not scared of running around inside strange buildings, climbs all over furniture and is too much of a handful for you to take care of, then this is the sort of dog we may be looking for. For further information, on the process contact a member of the Training Unit on 0845 600 800.”
Dogs will undergo a selection process to see if they have the necessary qualities to join the Police Dog Training Unit.
