‘Each of our handlers showed resilience, skill and an excellent partnership’
Police work is never easy and this year’s annual regional dog trials highlights the incredible level of skill, determination and training required for handlers and their canine companions to ensure they’re the best of the best.
The three day event saw teams working in challenging and demanding environments as they face a series scenarios – all designed to mirror the real everyday challenges faced in operational policing.
The event took place, in Cleveland, at the end of February. It spanned three phases with handlers and their dogs showing what it takes to be the best of the best.
Challenges include tracking and property searches, emergency recalls and controlled ‘criminal work’ scenarios such as pursuits, stand-offs and simulated attacks. The teams also conducted searches for ‘suspects.’
Teams competed for a maximum of 1,000 points – with 700 required to qualify for the National Police Dog Trials.
It’s good news for the Devon & Cornwall Police dog section which came out top of the pack, securing an impressive first, second and third place against strong competition.
PC John Warren and PD Albert (Plymouth). Image: D&C Police.
Hosted by Avon & Somerset Police, the event saw highly trained police dog teams from Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Avon & Somerset and South Wales Police.
‘I am incredibly proud of all the handlers and their dogs. The dedication, commitment and professionalism they demonstrate day in, day out is reflected in these results,’ says Sergeant Victoria Ritchie from Devon & Cornwall Police Dog Section.
‘This is a remarkable achievement’
‘Competing at regional level can be challenging, working under pressure, in front of judges and peers, in scenarios that don’t always go exactly to plan.’
‘Each of our handlers showed resilience, skill and an excellent partnership with their dogs throughout the three days.’
‘All three teams delivered outstanding performances across the trials, securing first, second and third place.’
‘This is a remarkable achievement and a real testament to the high standards our dog section maintains, both on the trials field and in live operational policing.’
PC Noah Tilley and PD Gus (South Molton). Image: D&C Police.
Devon & Cornwall Police was represented by three dog teams: PC John Warren and PD Albert (Plymouth), PC Noah Tilley and PD Gus (South Molton) and PC Luke Barnard and PD Sid (Ashburton).
PC John Warren and PD Albert took 1st place with 835 points. They won the overall winners’ trophy, obedience trophy, criminal work trophy, Phase Three overall trophy and top new team at regional trials.
PC Noah Tilley and PD Gus secured 2nd place with 807 points. They also took home the tracking trophy and Phase One overall trophy.
PC Luke Barnard and PD Sid finished in 3rd place with 804 points. They also received recognition for the strongest bite during the criminal work phase.
PC Luke Barnard and PD Sid (Ashburton). Image: D&C Police.
‘A real testament to the high standards our dog section maintains’
Devon & Cornwall Police explain that the narrow margins between scores highlighted the exceptionally high standard of competition across all participating forces.
All three teams qualified for the National Police Dog Trials. These’ll be held in West Yorkshire between 14 – 16 May.
Notably, this was the first time each of the teams had competed at regional level and they will now go on to represent the Force on the national stage.