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Cop dogs are born crimefighters
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| The centre in Layhams Road, Keston, prepares dogs |
Dogs are man's best friend but for a policeman they are his best asset. DAVID MILLS visits the Met Police Dog Training Centre to find out more.
DOGS have been helping police fight crime for more than 100 years.
Their use by the police dates back to 1888 when bloodhounds were brought in to try to hunt down serial killer Jack the Ripper.
However, it was not until after the Second World War a small dog training school was set up at Imber Court in Surrey.
It switched to a site in Keston in 1953 because neighbours complained about the noise.
At the 15-acre centre in Layhams Road dogs are trained to work with the Met Police.
There are currently 280 operational dogs helping police in all areas of their work.
Sergeant Simon Crick, who has been working at the training centre since last October, said: "Dogs are an essential part of operational policing, due their astounding sense of smell, agility and presence.
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| Handlers start to train the animals from puppies |
"Between our general purpose dogs and specialist dogs we can search out everything from suspects to drugs, firearms and explosives.
"Our dogs are especially useful in public order situations, the detaining of criminals and also play a key role in victim recovery."
The police mainly use German shepherds, as well as some labradors and springer spaniels.
Sergeant Crick said: "We look to accentuate certain types of qualities in breeding. The police dog does much more than the average pet.
"For example, with German shepherds we look for qualities such as intelligence, robustness and how they look the part.
"They have an intimidating aspect, which is good for dealing with public order."
He added: "We use springer spaniels and labradors for explosives work, drugs and firearms recovery.
"They have a great sense of smell and can go in small places, such as under chairs or in cupboards."
Dogs bred at the centre are allocated to a police officer, known as a handler, after they are eight weeks old.
They are trained over 12 months before undergoing a basic course lasting four to five months, which includes obedience work, walking to heel and then moving on to more advanced training such as tracking scents and chasing criminals.
After completing all their training, dogs have to undergo continuation training four times a year, to renew their licence as a police dog.
Officers wanting to become handlers have to have two years' experience on the streets and need to pass a two-week suitability course.
Sergeant Crick, 41, who lives in Hertfordshire, added: "Handlers take in puppies in their own home, so a crucial bond of trust can be
established, which is the most important part of their working relationship.
"Handlers are always given the option of keeping their dog after its retirement.
"They become very attached to it because they have had it since it was a puppy."
9:46am Thursday 3rd January 2008
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