SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has visited Surrey and Sussex’s internationally-renowned dog school to meet some future recruits.
Lisa Townsend joined police staff at the school, based at Surrey Police’s Guildford HQ, to see 11 new Labrador puppies.
The pups were bred by the dog school, a registered and certificated Kennel Club breeder, and made a visit back last week.
From the age of 12 to 18 months, they will begin their formal police dog training course.
A school of excellence, our training programmes teach both dog and handler practical skills in varying areas of operational deployment, including drugs detection and victim recovery.
Before puppies become operational police dogs, they live with ‘puppy walker’ families responsible for their day-to-day care, exercise and wellbeing.
Training and guidance is offered throughout the time in the scheme and someone is always on hand to answer any questions and queries.
During this time, the dogs attend training classes monthly.
The scheme aims to produce a puppy that is happy, friendly, alert and socially well-mannered.
New recruits
Anybody can apply to be a Surrey and Sussex Police puppy walker, providing they fit the school’s criteria.
For more information on the scheme, email KennelAttendants@surrey.police.uk
Independent Custody Visitors managed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner make unannounced visits to the dog school as part of the Animal Welfare Scheme, an initiative based on guidance from the Dogs Trust and the RSPCA.
They observe, comment and report on the condition and welfare of police dogs, as well as the conditions under which they are housed, trained, transported, and deployed.
“Incredibly proud”
For more information on Independent Custody Visitors, you can visit our dedicated webpage.
The Commissioner said: “We are incredibly proud of the dog school, which rightfully has a reputation that is admired not only in the UK, but across the world.
“It’s a joy to be able to meet the next generation of police dog recruits, and I wish both the ‘puppy walker’ families and our trainers the very best.”
