FOUR dog handlers from Tri-Force Specialist Operations are gearing up for the South West and Wales Regional Police Dog Trials/Assessments.

The trials take place in Dorset from February 6-8 and successful participants will then go on to compete in the National Police Dog Trials which will take place in May and will be hosted for the first time by Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Avon and Somerset police forces.

PC Cindy Hargeave and her five-year-old German Shepherd PD Tyke will be taking part from Wiltshire alongside three Avon and Somerset officers – PC Justin Andrews with three-year-old PD Monty, PC Andrew Jerreat and PD Elmo, aged five, along with PC Nick Dalrymple with seven-year-old PD Aden.

If the dog handlers get through the regional trials, they will be competing alongside approximately 20 dog teams from across the country, in a number of operationally based assessment exercises including a tracking exercise, a person search, obedience, chase and detain, crowd control and emergency recall amongst others.

Tri-Force Specialist Operations Dogs Inspector, Shane Hawkings, said: “I am delighted that the Tri-Force collaboration will be represented at this year’s regional trials.

“The trials not only encourage the pursuit of excellence but provide a fantastic opportunity for the sharing of good practice. They are a demonstration of the high professional standards expected of our dog teams. I wish all of the competitors the best of luck.”

Sergeant Denis McCoy, who is based in Avon and Somerset, has been appointed by the National Police Chiefs Council as the National Trials secretary.

He said: “The dog trials are a great opportunity for handlers from different forces to come together and build relationships as well as share good practice and as a result, improve operational effectiveness.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Tri-Force so well represented at the regional trials and wish those taking part the best of luck. I hope to see them progress to the national trials later on this year.”