A GROUP of four-legged recruits from Hertfordshire Constabulary have become the latest stars of the force's Facebook site.

Users of the popular social networking website will now be able to follow police dogs Ted, Storm and police dog in training Tyler through their day-to-day lives as they help to fight crime across the county.

Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit Inspector Steve Mann said: "Each and every day our highly skilled dogs are providing vital support to police officers which ultimately helps to bring offenders to justice and keep both Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire safe.

"The Facebook profiles and new website will not only help us to keep the public up to date with the vital operations, but will also allow them to follow the dogs throughout their day-to-day lives and get a sense of the life of a police dog."

Storm is a two-year-old German shepherd who assits police with a broad spectrum of activities, including restraining criminals and helping to find missing people and property.

Seven-year-old Ted, a springer spaniel, is a drugs and firearms search dog who is trained to sniff out all kinds of illegal substances, including cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine. Ted is also trained to search for cash and accompanies the force on early morning drug raids.

Followers can also keep an eye on the force's newest recruit Tyler, an eight-month old German shepherd, as he trains to become a fully fledged police dog.

To become fans of the dogs, visit Hertfordshire Constabulary's Facebook page at www.herts.police.uk/dog_unit/index.htm