Three new crime-fighting canines join Leicestershire Police

Police Dogs (PD) Echo, Izzy and Reggie will work alongside their handlers to help track offenders, locate evidence, find missing people and protect officers in potentially dangerous situations.

The two-year-old German Shepherds will live with their handlers, who are responsible for their care,  when they are not on shift.

PC Aran Gibbs, PD Izzy’s handler, said: “I joined the police to become a dog handler and I am proud my determination has been worth it. Getting to work and play with Izzy is the best job in the world. We have created such a tight bond already and this is down to the huge amount of time and effort we have spent not only as part of our training but also during evenings and weekends.

“This role is not just a job it is a lifestyle. It brings with it a huge amount of demand and responsibility but also a great sense of reward and love.”

PD Echo’s skills have already led to a vital piece of evidence being discovered – helping officers to be able to charge a man for a serious offence.

PD Echo’s handler added: “Even before joining the force nine years ago I was always fascinated by the sheer skill of a police dog and while working as a response officer I got to witness this first-hand on many occasions – this made me want to become a dog handler even more.

“Although Echo is naturally talented and loves to work, it has taken months of training to get him ready for duty but it has definitely been worth it. I love living and working with him and the bond between us already is so strong. I am so proud of the skills he has already shown while on shift and I know there will be many more highlights to come.”

PC Tom Smith, handler for PD Reggie, said: “I have been an officer for five years but it has been a lifelong dream to do this role. Although Reggie has only been with me for about four months it is like I have had him forever. He has such a cheeky and charming character and he’s settled in perfectly at home. 

“I feel so privileged to be able to work alongside my four-legged best friend in a role where I get to work across the whole force area.”