Rescue dog begins Wiltshire Police career

A former rescue dog adopted from Dogs Trust by Wiltshire Police has just been licensed as a search dog.

The force adopted two-year-old Cocker Spaniel Frank in March from Dogs Trust Canterbury.  Frank began training and recently completed his course to become a Drugs, Cash and Firearms Recovery dog.  

Franks' crime-fighting potential was first spotted by the team at Dogs Trust Canterbury when he was handed into the charity’s care due to family health.  Frank is described as a brilliant and affectionate dog that loved cuddles on the sofa and playing with his ball.

A stand-out job in the last month includes Frank uncovering a large amount of cash hidden under pillows during the search of a property following a county line drug arrest in Swindon.

Frank’s Dog Handler, Police Constable Craig Head, said: “Frank is a joy to work with. He is very affectionate and loves carrying out searches. He has adjusted to his new life very well and enjoys the work and receiving a ball at the end."  

Frank is the second dog from the Dogs Trust to become a police dog with Wiltshire Police since the Force joined the Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme (AWS) last year. The scheme was launched nationally in 2002 to ensure that the training, housing and transport of police dogs meet high animal welfare standards. There are currently 32 Police Forces across the UK that have joined the scheme.   

Louise Crawford, Animal Welfare Scheme Coordinator at Dogs Trust, said: “The Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme has been in place for police dog units for the past 23 years, and Dogs Trust has supported the scheme since its inception.  

“Our rehoming centre teams are trained to spot dogs with extra special crime-fighting potential, and we work with police forces signed up to the Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme to find the right partnership to ensure the dogs can thrive and live their best lives and where we can provide ongoing support.    

“I am thrilled that Frank is doing so well and is now a fully licensed police dog with Wiltshire Police. Rescue dogs have so much to offer and can achieve great things. Frank’s story and success in his new life are wonderful ways to promote this message.” 

More information about Dogs Trust’s work with service dogs can be found at www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/professionals/service-dogs