Essex Police is celebrating after our Dog Team’s success at this year’s Eastern Region Police Dog Trials, held at three locations in Essex between 11th and 13th March.

The three-day event brought together skilled handlers and dogs from Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, and the joint Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire forces. The trials are designed not only to test teams against challenging scenarios, but also to mirror the real operational situations our officers face every day.

On Friday 13 March, the final phase was hosted at Essex Police’s Headquarters and marked the culmination of three days of intense competition, proudly observed by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex and the High Sheriff of Essex.

In a remarkable display of teamwork, control and operational excellence from all the teams, Essex Police came first place in the tightly fought competition, securing two places at the National Police Dog Trials to be hosted by West Yorkshire Police in May.

We are delighted to announce that PD Khan was crowned overall Regional Champion and will be joined at the National Trials by PD Kylo and their handlers.

Across the three days, handlers and dogs demonstrated their capability in three demanding operational phases, reflecting national policing standards and the skills used daily to keep the public safe – Tracking, Person Search and Obedience & Use of Force.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper praised the exceptional ability of all the dogs and their handlers saying: “Policing continues to navigate a demanding landscape, and our dog teams have been at the forefront of meeting those challenges with professionalism, resilience, and commitment. Their contribution to keeping our communities safe is invaluable and deeply appreciated.”

Dog welfare is paramount throughout the trials. Rules state that if at any time a judge considers a dog to be unwell, distressed, or unable to continue, the team will be withdrawn immediately.

With permissions https://essexpolicemedia.co.uk/