From tracking down suspects and finding vulnerable missing people to sniffing out explosives, drugs and even hidden digital devices, the talented police dogs helping to keep the Isle of Wight safe are being celebrated this International Dog Day.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is shining a spotlight on its 4-legged crime fighters today (Wednesday), recognising the vital contribution they make alongside their handlers.
Highly trained police dogs support a wide variety of operations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, using specialist abilities that their human colleagues simply cannot replicate.
Their duties range from tracking and locating suspects to searching for vulnerable missing people who may be in need of urgent assistance.
Other specially trained dogs can detect drugs and explosives, recover evidence and even locate hidden digital devices during police investigations.
The Constabulary says the animals play a crucial part in modern policing, regularly helping officers bring offenders to justice and protect the public.
Inspector Andy Mooge has said:
“Police dogs provide an extraordinary service to our communities.
Article continues below this advertisement “Their dedication, intelligence and specialist skills make a real difference every day in fighting crime, bringing offenders to justice and protecting the public.
“International Dog Day is an opportunity to recognise the incredible contribution these dogs and their handlers make to policing across our two counties.”
To celebrate International Dog Day, the force has also put some of its specialist police dogs in front of the camera.
A video has been produced challenging members of the public to test their knowledge of the different jobs carried out by the dogs and highlighting just how varied their skills can be.
Among those featured is PD Chief, a general-purpose police dog, while PD Harry specialises in searching for drugs.
PD Moss has a rather more unusual talent – digital detection – helping police locate hidden electronic devices.
PD Arlo is trained in explosives detection, while PD Major works as a passive drugs dog.
All 5 dogs featured are based across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and form part of the Joint Operations Unit.
The specialist unit provides operational support to both Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police.
Police say the dogs’ combination of specialist training, intelligence and natural abilities makes them an invaluable resource across a broad range of investigations and incidents.
Whether searching for somebody in danger or helping officers uncover evidence of crime, the police dogs and their handlers work together to help keep communities across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire safe.
