Meet West Yorkshire's Very Own 'Paw Patrol'
26th May 2020
West Yorkshire Police has three new recruits of a four-legged variety!
Sam, Roost and Blue have officially joined the ranks of West Yorkshire Police, having completed their Drugs Detection Course.
Earlier today (22/05) the Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel trio received their certificates alongside handlers PC Ian Moore, PC Roxy Cramp and PC Tony Rouse.
Chief Inspector Lisa Kirkland and Inspector Gary Panther were on hand to make the presentations at the Carr Gate complex in Wakefield. Ch Insp Kirkland said:
“The dogs are as valuable part to the police family as anyone else and it is important that we recognise the crucial role that they play.
“They go through a rigorous training programme, to ensure they can support us in some of the most demanding and pressuring scenarios in the fight against crime.
“These dogs in particular, are trained in the detection of drugs, helping officers on the ground to locate any substances in properties, vehicles and various other situations.
“Often these are secreted in places you would never expect, but the dogs have the skills and the ability to quickly seek them out and bring criminals to justice.
“The training itself is usually with their favourite toy, linking it to the scent of an illegal drug. They have no interest in the drugs themselves and it’s the reward of their toy that drives them.
“Each of the dogs that have received their certificates have their own distinctive personalities and they have been an absolute pleasure to be around.
“The handlers play an important role in their development and reaching this milestone is in no small part down to their dedication and empathy with the dogs.
“We look forward to having PD Sam, Roost and Blue on duty and I know they will each be a great asset to West Yorkshire Police and the communities we all serve.”
West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Mark Burns-Williamson added:
“West Yorkshire Police’s dogs and horses units, with their handlers, play a unique and significant role in helping to keep our communities safe and it’s fantastic that they are being recognised in this way.
“This initiative follows the recent introduction of ‘Finns Law’ which gives increased protection to service animals, such as police dogs. The ‘Finns Law’ campaign was something that I threw my full support behind after hearing the story of Police Dog Finn, who was stabbed and seriously injured in the line of duty but whose brave actions were credited with saving the life of his handler.
“A member of the public contacted me with regards to more formally recognising the contribution of police dogs which is something I raised with the Chief Constable on their behalf, so it’s a nice touch to see it come to fruition.
“All the best to PDs Sam, Roost and Blue, as well of course to their human colleague handlers within West Yorkshire Police, I am sure they will make a real difference to our communities and something which the public I know appreciate as well.”
