NEW POLICE DOG TEAMS HIT THE STREETS

Today marks the graduation of five new police patrol dog teams from the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre at Trentham, fully equipped and prepared to commence their shifts.

Handlers and their canine partners were honored in the presence of family and friends, alongside several members of the New Zealand Police executive and Her Excellency Iona Thomas, the British High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor of the Pitcairn Islands. The event also saw the attendance of the Hon Mark Mitchell, former dog-handler and Minister of Police.

The Central, Wellington, Tasman, and Canterbury Police Districts stand to benefit from the deployment of these freshly graduated teams.

Chris De Wattignar, Deputy Chief Executive People, Leadership, and Culture, extended his congratulations to all five teams, emphasizing the significance of their commitment to a crucial aspect of policing in New Zealand.

Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs, lauded the dedication and hard work exhibited by the new teams throughout their training and qualification processes, affirming their readiness to serve as valuable assets in their respective districts and communities.

These patrol dog teams play a vital role in maintaining stability and ensuring safety in various situations encountered by law enforcement officers. They are often the frontline responders, swiftly mobilizing to address emerging challenges and risks within their communities.

The newly graduated teams are slated to commence their duties in their respective districts starting next week.