Criminals to face 'woof justice'

Criminals will have an extra problem to contend with soon after Devon and Cornwall Police's 'A' litter puppies, Axel and ‘Arry, completed their police dog training courses. 

Along with their fellow trainees Charlie and Jack, the two police dog graduates attended a special pooch passing out parade.

The parade included a skills display given by the dogs who were graduating and their handlers which included an agility course and chasing down and restraining ‘baddies’.

A presentation and the formal passing out parade then took place, in front of friends and families of the dogs’ handlers. All dogs and handlers took the extremely hot weather and being photographed and filmed in their stride. 

PC Carla Lamble and ‘Arry will be working at Newton Abbot and PC Mark Stevens and Axel will be working in Plymouth.

Canine Development Officer, Paul Glennon, who bred and raised the puppies, said: “It is always a proud time seeing the pups from our puppy scheme grow up and graduate, particularly knowing how much hard work the puppy walkers have contributed in socialising the puppies and attending all the puppy development sessions.

“Having bred the litter, watched them being born at our home and then having the privilege of training them, this course has been extra special. I will be watching them now go into the big wide world and look forward to seeing how they get on. I think they will be excellent dogs, but then I am biased!”

Chief Inspector Daniel Evans added: “We are extremely proud of these dogs as they come from the first litter of pups bred in Force.  The puppy scheme has proven to be very effective, both in terms of the quality of the dogs coming through and cost savings.  In some cases our trained dogs are bought by other Forces.

“I am delighted to have been present for the graduation of the first ‘A’ litter dogs.”

Argo, Anya, Ash, Ava and Annie, the other 'A' litter puppies, will all begin their training courses in September.