Three Newly Licensed Dogs and Handlers Join Matrix Team

Three new police dogs have been licensed alongisde their handlers, to help protect the communities of Cleveland.

After undertaking an intensive training course since February, the new handlers and their dogs can now deploy onto the streets with their specialist skills and tactics.

Colleagues from Cumbria Police carried out assessments with each dog and handler on Friday 24^th May and PC Richie Robinson, PC India Landers and PC John Williams were awarded their licensing certificates by Assistant Chief Constable David Felton.

Police dogs Trigger, Rheagar and Neo will now join other dogs within the Matrix Team, where there are a number of specialist disciplines including general purpose dogs, firearms support dogs, drugs, cash and weapons dogs, explosive dogs and a victim recovery dog.

Training continually takes place throughout their careers to keep up skills and accreditation, and to ensure they can be the best they can be to serve the public.

Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: “I’d like to congratulate the officers for passing their courses with flying colours after a lot of hard work. Each one of them has shown dedication and determination to their new roles.

“We are delighted to welcome them into the Matrix Team with Trigger, Rheagar and Neo as they use their new skills to continue protecting the public of Cleveland from harm and tackling serious and organised crime.”

Temporary Inspector Rachel Smith, from the Dog Support Unit within the Matrix Team, said: “Months of hard work have really paid off and I’m really pleased to welcome these new officers and dogs to the team, as we add to the wealth of skills and capabilities that we already have available to help fight crime in Cleveland.”

 

Photo above (L-R): Superintendent Rachel Stockdale, PC India Landers, PC Richie Robinson, PC John Williams and Assistant Chief Constable David Felton