Police dogs across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being celebrated on International Dog Day following remarkable achievements, including recovering £23,450 in cash, drugs, weapons, and locating missing persons since April.
These exceptional canines serve as integral members of the Joint Operations Unit (JOU), providing crucial support to both Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police. Their impressive six-month record includes discovering substantial quantities of heroin, cocaine and cannabis, uncovering five knives, one machete and a hammer, whilst successfully locating two missing individuals.
The JOU employs various specialist breeds, each trained for specific policing operations.
General Purpose Dogs excel at tracking, property recovery, suspect detention, and managing public order situations. Recently, PD Echo demonstrated exceptional skill when deployed to locate a suspect who had fled an address and was last spotted entering an Isle of Wight cemetery. Echo guided his handler over a wall into dense undergrowth before discovering the suspect concealed within thick nettles. The individual was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal damage, assault by beating, and harassment without violence.
This team also achieved success tracking down a driver who fled a collision scene on the Isle of Wight, resulting in a drink-driving arrest.
Victim Detection and Drowned Victim Detection Dogs provide essential services locating individuals on land or underwater, offering families much-needed closure. During quieter periods, these dogs assist in recovering crime-related items including weapons and clothing across both counties.
Drug Detection Dogs specialise in uncovering concealed substances, firearms, and cash within buildings, vehicles, boats, and open areas. PD Rocky recently proved instrumental in discovering cocaine hidden inside a vehicle dashboard in Andover. Following a routine traffic stop, Rocky’s keen detection abilities led to the discovery of concealed drugs, resulting in the arrest of a 46-year-old Andover man.
People Scanning Dogs receive specialist training to identify individuals carrying concealed illegal substances. These dogs patrol high-traffic public areas including town and city centres, particularly during busy evening periods.
Operating within clubs and bars, they conduct passive scanning operations. Upon detecting controlled substance odours, they alert their handlers, enabling appropriate engagement with suspects.
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These operations serve dual purposes as both deterrent measures and proactive tools for reducing drug-related criminal activity.
Digital Detection Dogs utilise their exceptional olfactory abilities to locate hidden electronic devices. Their remarkable scent detection has been specifically refined to identify such equipment. These four-legged officers have already supported numerous high-priority investigations across both force areas, including operations conducted by Priority Crime Teams and Commercial Vehicle Units.
Explosive Detection Dogs undergo training to confirm or eliminate the presence of explosive materials, ensuring public safety. They frequently deploy to events throughout both force areas and provide mutual aid operations nationwide. Recent deployments include major events such as the Isle of Wight Festival, Portsmouth’s Sail GP, and Princess Anne’s Isle of Wight visit.
Sergeant Charlie Winchester commented: “Our police dogs represent far more than working animals—they are highly skilled, committed team members. We take immense pride in their expertise and the invaluable contributions they provide across both forces. Their dedication, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty genuinely impact policing effectiveness, and today we celebrate their ongoing efforts to maintain community safety.”
