Protecting our police dogs

Essex’s Police Dogs are a pawsome bunch and really are ahead of the pack when it comes to helping to keep Essex safe.
They are fantastically cared for and trained by their handlers but as we are a county of animal lovers it’s great to know that their care and training is monitored independently.
The Essex Police Dog Welfare Scheme is run by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex. The PFCC co-ordinates a team of volunteers who observe and report of the conditions under which police dogs are trained, transported, deployed and cared for. Their volunteers’ visits are unannounced and take place on random days and times to ensure impartiality.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Our police dogs are an asset to policing in this county and we really do value them and the expertise of their handlers. The primary function of this scheme is to protect our police dogs and in doing so we provide Essex Police with an independent monitoring body that advises and makes recommendations about the care of our animals. It gives extra reassurance to our communities that our police dogs are exceptionally well looked after.”

Find out more about the work of the Essex Police Dog Unit here:

 

Janet Perry, Strategic Head of Performance and Resources, and Carla Bailey, Scrutiny Officer, manage the scheme within the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Office. They visited the Essex Police Dog Unit at Sandon, observing training sessions and meeting some of the handlers, kennel staff and of course the dogs themselves.

Janet said: “I was so impressed by both the dogs and their handlers, one dog had only started training that morning and was already able to choose the ‘illegal’ scent, 100 per cent of the time. It is very clear to see how the talents of these four-legged recruits are an invaluable asset in supporting the force in keeping our communities safer for the people of Essex.”

Carla added: “It was great to have a look behind the scenes and find out about all the hard work that goes on. Our volunteers do an excellent job and we are grateful for their knowledge and the time they give to the scheme.”

Pippa Mills, Deputy Chief Constable of Essex Police and the new NPCC Lead for Police Dogs, said: “We are immensely proud of the work of the Essex Police Dog Section. Through the hard work of the dog handlers and trainers, they achieve outstanding results to enable us to help people, keep people safe and catch criminals. The welfare of our dogs is paramount, and we are grateful for everyone involved in the Essex Police Dog Welfare Scheme for providing the independent assurance of the high standards we hold ourselves to. The dogs are valuable members of our police family and we are all committed to looking after them in recognition of their service.”