So on Friday afternoon PCSO's Hillman & Mattison and Police Volunteer Mick Shaw had the privilege of meeting PC Dave Collier and his two Police Dog's, Ted & Tally from Derbyshire Constabulary's Police Dog Section for their Mini Police Session at St Joseph's Catholic Academy. 

Dave taught the children about what his job role entails and what each of his Police Dog's also do throughout their roles.

From bloodhounds being used in the late 19th century to hunt for the elusive Jack the Ripper to the modern canine being used to sniff out drugs, police dogs have long been a staple in our nation's police force.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them a perfect companion.

In Derbyshire, after undergoing a rigorous assessment process to determine whether the pup is capable of actually becoming a police dog, a four-to-six month training programme prepares the dog to join the police as a "K9 unit".

With over 2,500 police dogs spread out across the country, a variety of roles are fulfilled by canines. 

Jobs including search and rescue, detecting banned substances, and even finding dead bodies, a police dog's job description is a diverse one.

Derbyshire Police has a range of breeds across its K9 units, with some filling general purpose roles and others focused on specific positions such as drugs and firearms detector.

PD Ted is chocolate Labrador, who works a as a drugs, cash and firearms dog.

PD Tally is a Belgian Malinois who works as a general purpose dog. PD Tally helps officers locate offenders that try to escape Police.

Throughout the session Dave hid his wallet with cash inside in the children's playground and then PD Ted had to find it. PD Ted found the wallet and cash extremely quickly and was rewarded with a tennis ball. 

The children of St Joseph's were then given the opportunity to fuss Ted and have their photo's taken with him if they wanted.

I think it is safe to say that Ted enjoyed his fusses! 

It was nice for the Safer Neighbourhood Team to see the children engaging with Dave and PD Ted and to hear the interesting questions that they had to ask! It was also nice for us to learn a little more about Dave and his role, and to witness PD Ted at work!

Everyday is a learning day!!

#Minipolice #engagement #matlocksnt #derbysdogpolice