A new duo have commenced specialist training to help officers bring the most serious offenders to justice.
Labradors Luna and Phoenix were recruited as puppies last summer and are now being trained to locate vital evidence at a range of crime scenes.
The dogs, selected for their natural attributes and exceptional potential, are being trained to assist investigations by detecting bodily fluids at crime scenes.
Over the next six weeks, the Fox Red sisters and their handlers will take part in a series of practical drills and classroom‑based sessions as they work to reach the required national standard.
All being well, they will qualify at the end of May as the force’s first dedicated forensic evidence detection animals.
They and their handlers can then be deployed to help investigate offences ranging from serious sexual assaults to homicides.
PC Dean Allen, an expert trainer who has tutored multiple forensic detection dogs for other forces, said:
“I selected these dogs about a year ago after recognising their excellent natural attributes.
“Since then, they’ve been with me and their handlers as we’ve slowly introduced them to a working environment and to some basic training drills.
“This is their first week with us, and they’ve been doing very well so far.
“The aim of the next few weeks is to get them searching for our target scent in all the different locations they will have to search in future – in vehicles, buildings, open areas and route searches.
“Should they meet the required standard over the next six weeks, officers across the force will have a vital additional tool with which to bring some of the most serious offenders to justice.”
