Police Dog Handler

Police and security units all over the globe rely on the formidable powers of dogs – namely their senses of smell and hearing – to tackle the problems that would otherwise prove near–impossible for their human counterparts. Police dogs are a huge asset to the police service. Not only do they help to deter criminals and safeguard the public they also offer an amazing sense of smell.

A dog's nose is many, many times more sensitive than a human's, and so is ideal for tracking or detecting, whether it be drugs, criminals, bombs, stolen property, or people who have lost their way. The canine sense of smell is so finely tuned that you can train to detect a number of different substances.

Through intensive training both the police dog handler and the dog itself learn a series a commands and hand signals to determine a particular behaviour. Becoming a police dog handler is a big commitment and one that normally lasts for 7 years, which is the length of service the dog will undertake. The commitment often involves the dog living with the handler and taking full responsibility for the well being and health of the dog.

Despite this commitment a police dog handler is one of the most exciting and challenging careers that an individual can undertake within the police:

• Each day is different from the last and brings with it a new challenge
   

• With a career as a dog handler most of the work takes place outdoors, which certainly beats the 9 to 5 office routine
   

• Your hours of work will vary and depend upon the task that you are required to. (While they can include evenings, nights and weekends the rewards are there.)
   

• The chance for a rewarding career that can pay up to £25,000 per once with experience

Types Of Police Dog

Perhaps the most common perception of a police dog is the German Shepherd. These are, indeed, the most popular General Purpose dogs as used by the Surrey Police (and most police forces), as they not only have the combination of size, controllable aggression, stamina and will to work, but they also accept training willingly.

We will also consider other breeds, such as Rottweiler, Doberman and Giant Schnauzer.

The kinds of roles we can train for are:

• Passive Dogs – used in the detection of drugs on persons
   
• Proactive Dogs – used in the detection of drugs in a specific area, such as a warehouse, airport baggage control, nightclubs, schools or offices
   
• Explosives Dogs - used in the detection of bombs or explosive material
   
• General Purpose Dogs – what most people recognise as a police dog, used for tracking, searching for persons or property, and the chasing and detaining of fleeing offenders

The Role Of A Police Dog Handler

The role of a police dog handler is to assist the police in the prevention and detection of crime and often to locate missing people or offenders that are trying to hide from the police to avoid being caught.

Over time the role of the police dog within police work had grown hugely and they are now used as part of a wider strategy, which includes the following:

• To search for explosives, weapons , narcotics, money and dead bodies
  (different dogs are trained for the different roles)
   
• to aid in the search for missing or injured people
   
• to protect people and in some cases their own officers where a situation is becoming out of hand such as controlling crowds at football matches
   
• to track and detain offenders who are on the run from the police searching for people in buildings or open areas and chasing and detaining offenders
   
• locating dead bodies and blood, either buried or on the surface
   
• Are often used at the airport as part of the customs team and border force to detect illegal substances that are being brought into the country by passengers

Salaries for private security dog handlers range from at least £15,000 a year up to £25,000.

Hours and Working Environment and Pay

Hours of work vary between organisations they can be long and variable, including evenings, nights and weekends and if you are only of the few handlers within your force or area you will need to be flexible with your working hours. Dog handling can involve a period of time which involves standing and waiting but when you are called into action this can involve a lot of walking and running. The working environment differs to that of most jobs in that the majority of the work is undertaken in an out doors environment in all kinds of weather conditions.

Dog handlers in the police, HM Revenue and Customs, the armed forces, fire and rescue services and prison services are on the salary scales of their organisations with typically salaries ranging from £20,000 - £25,000 per year. For dog handlers who work for organisations like the police, fire and rescue or prison services, salaries are on set scales for all employees.

The Day to Day Life Of A Police Dog Handler

Dog handlers work with their dogs to help prevent and detect crime or to find lost and missing people. A dog handler and their dog train for a specific purpose and this will depend upon the type of dog you are required to train for your particular force.

In working with their dogs, handlers use a series of commands and signals to indicate what they want the dog to do. Both handler and dog will have learnt these skills during their training course and the reinforcement that takes places after the course.

Many working dogs live with their handlers while they serving as a police dog and after their service. While this is not a requirement many handlers become attached to their dogs and this is a natural progression at the end of their career.

This is something that you will need to bear in mind should you decide for this particular role, many candidates apply without giving consideration to the long term commitment involved. Handlers are also responsible for day to day tasks that are required for the keeping of any dog such as  exercising, feeding and grooming them.

 
The Skills and Qualities Needed

Any handler must be prepared to exercise and care for the dog both on and off duty and you need to be experienced officer because you need to know the operational and legal implications about what you are doing at each incident and why.

A dog handler should:

• be able to develop a good working relationship with their dog
• know how to care for their dog's needs
• be able to work independently and unsupervised
• be willing to working as part of a team and demonstrate this ability
• Communicate well with those around them
• be consistent and reliably - other members of your team will depend on you
• be confident in their own abilities and working with animals
• be physically healthy and fit, the role with often involve being active for a large part of the working day
• MUST always have a keen interest in working with dogs
• Be dedicated and patient - training a police dog requires a lot of time and effort on the handlers part

Entry Routes For A Police Dog Handler

Some organisations, such as the police force only accept applications for dog handling from candidates who are already part of the organisation. The position of a police dog handler are also subject to when and if an opportunity arises and the competition for a place is extremely fierce with this being one of the most sort after roles within the force. 

The selection process included an application form which is usually a standard in force application form. There is typically not a specific application form for the position of a police dog handler.

After the application there is a interview often with a board of 3 senior police officers where you will be examined to see if you meet the requirements of a police dog handler.

Some forces often undertake a house check, to ensure that there is enough space to house and kennel a dog properly. The next stage in the recruitment process is the 2 week suitability course which is used to determine your suitability to the role of dog handler. This is often used for both the police and the candidate themselves to see if this role is for them.

The Training Involved

Training varies between organisations, but it usually lasts several weeks for both the handler and the dog. Not only is the handler required to undertake physical training with the dog there is also classroom based element of the training that plays a critical role in the handlers development. For example this usually includes handling techniques, commands, grooming, kennel management, diseases, health, and law relating to police dogs.

The training will typically involve a 12 weeks course at a dog training school, where the dog will learn all the necessary skills and qualities required to become a police dog.

These include tracking, obedience, search instincts and obeying commands. Throughout the dog's working life, training is continuous and to ensure that your police dog remains licensed you are required to undertake a number of training days each year, usually around 16.

How To Become A Dog Handler

To apply for a position of a dog handler you must have completed your 2-year probationary period and must have proved yourself to be a competent police officer during this time.

A typical entry route maybe as follows:

• GCSEs.
• A Levels. (not a requirement to join the police)
• Police constable - 2 years probationary
• Police dog handler application form
• Interview
• House Check - to ensure you house meets the requirements (note the word house, you cannot become a handler if you live in a flat)
• 2 week suitability course - this is not a requirement for all forces
• 12 week training course
• Police dog handler.

The Problem For Most Candidates

The role of the police dog handler is one of the most sought after careers within the police. Many people view this jobs as one of the great jobs that they would all like do at some point in their career.

However, the problem for most candidates is that they only really start preparing for this job once a vacancy becomes available and by then it is often too late.

These jobs do not come up every day and as the saying goes "once a dog handler always dog handler". An officer will typically stay with this role until they retire from the force because it is such a rewarding job! This means that when a position does become available you need to stand out from the rest as the ideal candidate for this role.

Remember you are all competing for one position and this is very different to when you applied to join the police first time around when there were a number of vacancies for officers!

This Is Where We Can Help You...

Significantly Increase Your Chances Of Becoming A Police Dog Handler

With This 140 Page INSIDER Career Guide

There is NO other career guide available that is specifically dedicated to helping candidates become a Police Dog Handler!

This guide has been created in conjunction with a retired police dog handler and trainer who served over 20 years in the role!
 

"This guide is essential for anyone looking to become a police dog handler. Whether you are a current serving police officer or you have not yet joined the police force, this complete career guide covers everything you need to know to gain the edge over other applicants..."

Here is What You Will Discover In This Unique Guide:

CHAPTER 1: History of  the Police Dog (pages 1 -10)

This chapter will provide you with an understanding of the history of police dog within the police service. Understanding the way this role had developed is key to showing the recruitment staff that you have prepared for and researched this role.

CHAPTER 2: Police Dog Handler FAQ’s (pages 11-12)

Chapter 2 includes a number of frequently asked questions surrounding the role and duties of a police dog handler and answers any questions you may have.

CHAPTER 3: Types Of Police  Dogs (pages 13-22)

This chapter examines the different types of police dogs that are used within police service, their roles and the key reason why their breed has been chosen to fulfil those duties.

Once again developing an understanding of the different types of police dogs you will significantly increase you knowledge of the role of the police dog handler.

CHAPTER 4: Police Dog Commands (pages 23-31)

As a police dog handler will need to work on a daily basis to train your dog to respond correctly to each command that you as the handler provide them. Once they have reached the required level you will be tested on your ability and you will need to pass this course to officially become a dog handler and start work in the field.

CHAPTER 5: Police Dog Health Care (pages 32- 45)

Looking after your police dog is an essential part of being a police dog handler and this chapter examines the type of care you will need to provide on a daily basis and also details the type of diseases and illnesses you need to be aware of.

CHAPTER 6: Becoming A Police Officer (pages 46 - 70)

The first step to becoming a police dog handler is going the police force and this chapter covers the police selection process in detail.

This section covers:

- Police probation training
- The working week
- The criteria for joining the police
- Equality and diversity
- The National Recruitment Assessment Centre
- The Police Application Form
- Interactive Exercises
- English and Numerical tests
- The Written Exercises
- The Police Interview

It also provides insider tips and advice on submitting a strong application form, sample questions and
answers to the police tests, and how to answer interview questions

CHAPTER 7: Becoming A Police Dog Handler (pages 71- 97) 

- Duties of the Handler
- Control of the Police Dog
- The Role of the dog handler
- Skills and Qualities required
- Working conditions
- Main responsibilities of a police dog handler
- Dog Handler Training
- Appling for position
- The Selection of Dog Handlers for Training
- The Police Dog Handler Recruitment Process
- The Police Dog Handler Application Form
- What they look for during the suitability course
- The Police Dog Handler Interview
- Top Insider Hints & Tips To Help You Succeed
- Further Career Options: Police Dog Trainers

CHAPTER 8 : Police Dog Handler Training Courses (pages 98-122)

Once you have been passed the selection process and offered the position of police dog handler you will then be required to train your police dog and pass the General Purpose Initial Training Course.

In this chapter we have provide a detailed examination of this course including how you will be assessed and scored by the examiners to help you succeed!

CHAPTER 9 : Police Dog Handler Laws (pages 123-125)

As a police dog handler you must be fully aware of your responsibilities and duties under the law. This chapter details what laws you need to be aware of and will show the recruitment team that you have done your research about this role.

CHAPTER 10: Getting Police Dog Handler Fit (pages 125-133)

As a police dog handler you will need to possess and maintain a level of fitness to enable you to undertake your duties in an effective manner. This chapter will ensure you fitness level is not what stands between you and your dream job.

BONUS 1: UK Police Dog Unit Contact Details (pages 134-138)

The complete list of contact details for all the Dog Units in the UK.

BONUS 2: Useful Police Force UK Contact Details (139-142)

The complete list of contact details for all the Police Forces in the UK.

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