A NEW team of police dogs are tipped to “turn the tides” on predators by identifying drugs used in harmful offences in the night-time economy.
The Joint Operations Unit which provides specialist policing capabilities to Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary is rolling out a new team of police dogs with a novel use.
The specially trained dogs are able to detect drugs commonly linked to spiking offences, including substances that are often carried in small quantities or in liquid form.
The initiative forms part of both force’s wider commitment to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) and ensuring people can enjoy a night out safely.
It comes as students across the country either return to university or begin their first years in higher education, which sees a lot of young people going on nights out and beginning to explore a new town or city with friends.
It means that officers with the new specialist dogs will be able to support other proactive initiatives after they were signed off by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
Following this recognition, the team has welcomed dogs Maverick, Puma, Dusty, AJ, Reggie, and Major, have undergone extensive training and will support JOU officers with both TVP and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
While incidents of spiking remain low, prevention is just as important as enforcement. We remain committed to identifying, disrupting and pursuing those who seek to exploit others.
Those carrying substances linked to spiking offences can expect to be stopped, questioned and investigated by police.
Police say that the capability has already demonstrated its effectiveness operationally, with the dogs making numerous detections of controlled drugs, including cocaine, which remains one of the most commonly identified substances in policing operations.
Thames Valley Police’s Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: “Keeping people safe remains our priority, particularly within the night-time economy where individuals should be able to enjoy socialising without fear of becoming a victim of crime.
“This innovative dog capability provides officers with an additional tool to identify and deter those carrying substances linked to spiking offences, helping us to prevent harm before it occurs.
“I am proud that Thames Valley Police has played a leading role in developing this capability alongside our colleagues in Hampshire Constabulary, and that it has now been recognised within the National Police Chiefs’ Council police dog portfolio. This demonstrates our commitment to innovation, partnership working and protecting our communities from those who seek to exploit others.”
