Seven dog handlers are trained as search specialists. Their work, which does not always involve their dogs, includes searching for missing people, carrying out detailed reviews of crime scenes or counter-terrorist work. A number of dogs are specially trained to become part of firearms teams when they are called out. Police dogs are matched to their handlers through an assessment of personalities. They become an integral part of the family at home, although they are housed in outside kennels, and will usually become a pet after they retire.
Dog handlers can therefore end up with quite a houseful.
PC Robin Glover for example has three dogs at home - his current German Shepherd patrol dog Jack, retired German Shepherd Gaspode and retired Labrador Coco, who was a drug sniffer dog. Inge A high percentage of dogs are donated to the Force by members of the public although a small breeding programme also exists in-house. General patrol dogs take 10 to 12 weeks to train. All training is now done in-house at the Support Headquarters in Netley where the dog section is based. A lot of Hampshire s dog handlers take part in regional and national police dog trials, which the constabulary hosted in 1999.