New dog unit launched in L'Derry
The PSNI has welcomed six new four-legged friends 🐶
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has welcomed six new four-legged friends as it adds a new dog section in County Londonderry.
The new unit in Derry is in addition to the units already based at Sprucefield and Clogher.
From Maydown six new police dog handlers and their canine partners will cover a wide area, from the Ports on the North Coast to Fermanagh and Omagh, where they will respond to calls for service.
The new additions include Belgian Shepherds Rico, Nico, Poker, Nora, Jax and Kelly.
Their skills include searching for missing persons, tracking suspects and the recovery of recently discarded articles of an evidential nature.
They also protect their handler and other officers in dangerous situations.
Chief Inspector Chris Hamill has welcomed the new additions and said the dogs will be out and about over the coming weeks.
He said: “The new handlers and their dogs are ready for operational duties, and, over the coming weeks, they’ll be out and about, meeting Local Policing Team officers to introduce them to our dogs and explain how we can help them serve the community better, not only through their operational roles but by engaging with the local communities at various events."
He added that being a dog handler is ‘more than just a job’ and stressed that it involves a long-term commitment from the officers.
He said: “The dogs live with their handlers. Not only are they part of the wider police family but, first and foremost, they’re an integral part of the handler’s family.
“For the handler they are literally taking their work home, every day, and it’s the handler’s responsibility to make sure their dog is in peak physical condition, and that they’re disciplined and fit for work each day.”
“The handler gets to work and develop their skills along with the dog from when they’re a puppy through to the rest of their working life.
“They get to share so many rewarding experiences along the way,
There’s no doubt being a dog handler is a tough and challenging job, but it’s unique and extremely rewarding for both the handler and their dog.”
Meet Rico 🐶
Dog handler Jess said she is excited to join the Dog Section in Maydown with her loyal friend, Police Dog Rico, a cross between a Belgian Shepherd and a Dutch Herder.
She said: "Being a dog handler is the best job in police, without a doubt. The bond you develop with them is something else.
“I enjoy seeing Rico get out at a call and switch on to whatever task he needs to do. He loves his job just as much as I do.
“Also, seeing how much he progresses and deals with various situations is very rewarding.
“Before I became a dog handler, I was based in Strand Road in the Local Policing Team so I know first-hand how useful a dog would be.
“There is a large variation in calls within the area and having a dog there to assist would be a great help. Not only that, but everyone also loves dogs!”
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