Resident,

We’re celebrating the Spaniels in Dog Section this week, as Nyle, Harris, Rosy and Hank have all gained their licences.

A farm dog, a stray, a prison pup and a Greek with a thirst for knowledge: all four are now fully qualified to search for drugs, cash and firearms.

Springer Spaniel Nyle is the oldest of all the new recruits – he turns four years old today, 10 July. He used to live on a farm and was destined to be a gundog before starting his career in the police.

“Nyle has such a calm and kind temperament and is a pleasure to work with”, said handler PC Sam Brassington.

“He loves a tennis ball, or any kind of ball really! At home he keeps quite a few in a heap to choose from once he’s back from his walk.”

Harris is an 18-month-old Sprocker, a cross-between a Springer and a Cocker Spaniel. Originally from Greece, Harris joined our team in April. He lives at home with his handler, PC Andy Pell, two retired Police Dogs and two pet dogs.

“He’s full of energy and loves nothing more than racing around the garden with his canine pals,” said PC Pell. “But if there’s one thing he adores above all else, it’s his trusty tennis ball.”

Sprocker Rosy, also 18 months old, was surplus to requirements from the prison service. She’d had few short training sessions before joining us and took to police work with enthusiasm.

“Rosy is brilliant,” said handler PC Darren Drew. “She’s has a really efficient nose for searching for drugs, cash and firearms.

“She’s mad about playing with the ball, and gets along great with working German Shepherd, PD Casey.

And last, but no means least, PD Hank. As we reported in June, three-year-old Hank was found as a stray late last year. He was taken to a local kennel, where no owner came forward.

Recognising his potential, Derbyshire police adopted him, named him Hank, and began his rehabilitation and training as a search dog.

Now thriving, Hank is showing great promise. “Hank is independent, funny, and a quick learner,” said handler PC Dave Collier.

“He’s a real workhorse and he absolutely loves searching. But at home he loves fuss and attention. He’s settling in well alongside PD Kruger.”

The six-week training programme they followed begins with basic scent recognition and progresses to more complex, real-world environments, such as searching open land, vehicles and buildings.

PDs Nyle and Harris successfully completed their training on 18 June, with PDs Rosy and Hank following hot on their paws on 2 July.

Well done to all four – ready to sniff out crime and help to keep Derbyshire safe.