College publishes new guidance for police dog handlers

The new NPCC Police Dog Standard sits alongside the College of Policing’s new Authorised Professional Practice, streamlining the previous guidance and mandating minimum standards.

This new guidance sets out how dog units should carry out the day-to-day functions of their unit including, but not limited to: training; welfare; deployment; staffing; health and safety; procurement and retirement; and record keeping. It sets out the police’s use of police dogs in a wider context to general policing activity.

“The new NPCC Police Dog Standard sits alongside the APP, streamlining the previous guidance and mandating minimum standards. Bringing the recognition of the speciality that is our Police Dog capability, these standards bring the specialism in line with other similar areas in policing.”

Pippa Mills, Assistant Commissioner, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Police Dogs.

The new APP from the College of Policing has also recently been published. It supports the introduction of new professional role profiles for police dog handlers and trainers, and provides direction to relevant operational guidance and legislation. It will form the basis for the development of a new College of Policing curriculum for police dog handlers and trainers for specialist dog capability.

NPCC’s new guidance has been informed by the latest research across the care and use of service animals, as well as the feedback received after police chiefs launched a public consultation in November 2023.

“I’m pleased the standards rightly place a significant emphasis on the welfare and care of police dogs, highlighting the necessity to recognise their individual needs as sentient beings. They dedicate a lifetime of service, working alongside police officers and staff to keeping our communities safe.

“These standards will be subject to regular review through the National Police Dog Policy Sub-Group, ensuring policy, training, accreditation and emerging threats are incorporated and remain current.”

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