New recruit police dogs can come from two sources.

The first is a "gift dog" where a dog is donated to the police by a member of the public or purchased at a nominal cost. They will vary in age from 12 months to two-years-old.

The second method is to purchase a dog.

Before the new recruits are accepted they are carefully assessed and pass a medical. Each dog must carry out a series of tests, specially designed to identify whether or not the animal possesses the necessary instincts and temperament required. If the dog passes the assessment it will be paired with a handler and put through the "initial general purpose" course.

Whichever route the dog has taken to the initial course, the end result is the same. The dog is trained in all tasks required in order to become an operational police dog.

If you would like donate a potential police dog, please call 101 and ask for the dog unit.