Staffordshire Police: Doggy day out at Crufts for Charlie

Members of our Dog Support Unit attended Crufts today (Friday 7 March) to highlight some of the work they do to help keep communities in Staffordshire safe.

Dog handlers PCs Scott Tatton and Leah Smith visited the world’s largest dog show with PPD Charlie.

The trio were invited to attend by Thin Blue Paw, a charity foundation that protects, celebrates and rehabilitates both serving and retired police dogs across the UK.

Scott, Leah and black Labrador Charlie have spent the day engaging with the public and explaining what being a police dog handler and a four-legged paw-tner in crime involves.

Thin Blue Paw gifted welfare packs to all of our brave police dogs involved in the violent disorder in Staffordshire last year.

Leah and her partner, PD Bones, were on the frontline in Stoke-on-Trent and Tamworth, while Scott worked in Hanley with PD Titus, when the disorder happened in August.

Sergeant Dan Till, from our Dog Support Unit, said: “Charlie is what we call an explosives detection dog. He’s currently in training and should be fully licenced by June this year.

“Events like this are a great way for us to showcase some of the fantastic work that our dog teams do every day. While Charlie won’t be competing for best in show, he’s a champion to us.

“All of our dogs are.”

Any officer who has completed their probation period can apply to be a dog handler. The process involves an interview, assessment and exam.

For more information on joining us, visit: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/police-forces/staffordshire-police/areas/staffordshire-police/c/careers/