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PCC-funded police dog ready for his training

Caroline, Nicola and Buddy

Buddy the police dog is about to embark on a training course that will prepare him to join the team ridding Nottinghamshire’s streets of drugs.

The one-year-old Labrador joined Nottinghamshire Police over a year ago as a four-month old pup, after Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry funded the £24,775 costs of his training.

Now, after living with his handler PC Nicola Crabtree since January, the pair are set to start their six-week training course on 24 October, when they will learn to work together to become a Passive Drug Detection Dog Team.

 PC Crabtree said PD Buddy was still full of excitement and is ready to get to work learning how to help the force tackle drugs

“I’m excited to learn a new skill that’s different to handling a general-purpose dog,” she said.

“Buddy’s been at home with me since January so it will be nice for him to have his purpose.”

PD Buddy was brought into the force last year and is now old enough to begin his proper training.

Once complete, he will be a vital part of pre-planned operations.

He will be part of patrols with Operation Guardian officers in the city centre where he’ll scan people for drugs.

PD Buddy will also be used for urgent callouts where he could be asked to search a variety of vehicles.

Commissioner Henry said: “The fight against drugs is an ongoing and really important part of modern policing as drugs are a large root cause in many other crimes, including serious violence, exploitation, and many of the acquisitive crimes such as burglary and theft that impact on our neighbourhoods.

“That is why I was delighted to fund PD Buddy’s training and I’m excited to see him about get under way. He’s a really enthusiastic and alert dog and I have no doubt he’ll be a great asset to Nottinghamshire Police and help build on the great work that the force does all year round to tackle drugs.

“We wish Buddy and Nicola the best of luck with their training course.”

Posted on Thursday 29th September 2022
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