Two new trainee police dogs join the North East

Two new police dogs have come to live and work in the North East.

Trainee Police Dogs Rocket, a 14-week-old Belgian Malinois, and Elmo, a 18-week-old German Shepherd, will undergo training to become general patrol dogs.

Once training is complete, they will be deployed across the North East as required. They will begin formal training when they become a year old and are expected to become operational in around a year to 18 months.

Their duties will include assisting with ongoing enquiries, searching for missing people, and public order events.

Sergeant Paul Wigley of the Dog Unit said: "Police dogs play a vital role in our enquiries in a range of areas. From searching for a missing person to detecting drugs, their assistance is invaluable in helping keep our communities safer.

"Although they will begin formal training when turning a year old, the work has already begun, with instilling basics in terms of mannerisms and control now.

"We are looking forward to welcoming TPD Elmo and TPD Rocket and working with them operationally in the future.

"I have no doubt both will be fantastic additions to the North East. Police dogs are a hugely important part of policing and their work goes far in deterring crime across Scotland.

"I wish them every success in their careers at Police Scotland."