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Thames Valley Police target predators with screening drug detection dogs
The dogs have already made several detections, including cocaine, as forces add a new tool to identify and deter suspected offenders.
- Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary launched a pioneering dog unit to detect spiking substances, deploying six specially trained canines—Maverick, Puma, Dusty, AJ, Reggie, and Major—to patrol nightlife areas.
- The initiative coincides with the university academic year as freshers begin frequenting nightlife venues. Police emphasize that prevention is as important as enforcement in targeting those who seek to exploit others.
- Dog-Handler PC Dan Honey noted identifying potential offenders is often "very difficult," but the dogs provide "proactive insight that these people aren't anonymous anymore." The six canines are trained to detect drugs, including liquid substances.
- Campaigner Sharon Gaffka welcomed the move, supporting "any form of preventative measures." She noted it would be reassuring to know sniffer dogs are present, adding that such tools "probably would have prevented what happened to me."
- Chief Constable Alexis Boon stated, "Everyone should be able to enjoy a night out without fear." The National Police Chiefs' Council has incorporated this capability into the national police dog portfolio.
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Bucks Herald
Bucks HeraldThames Valley Police target predators with screening drug detection dogs
Specially trained dogs have been taught to find offenders carrying substances linked to spiking and other harmful offences linked to the night-time economy.
·Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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