Constable Mike and his 20-month-old patrol canine Fawn are a part of the brand new Police Tactical Response Model. Photo/Tania Whyte
A 20-month-old German shepherd with an amazing nostril to trace down troublemakers is the latest addition to the Police Tactical Dog Team household in Northland.
Fawn and her human associate Constable Mike lately graduated from their coaching course together with three different police patrol dogs in Trentham.
They at the moment are formally part of the brand new police Tactical Response Model (TRM), a security system, to guard frontline cops from potential assaults and accidents.
After Mike, who didn’t need his surname used, was “lucky enough” to have and prepare Fawn since she was 8-weeks-old. He felt passing the course along with his associate was a “satisfying accomplishment.”
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“I still remember meeting this possum and fluffy-looking little puppy who had this cool attitude from the get-go. And so far, she has done quite well.”
The constable mentioned whereas at home his associate was like a “cheeky teenager” who cherished pushing the boundaries in a great way. At work, she behaved in a totally totally different method.
“She is this ball of energy who is always active and loves doing what she’s trained to do – which is to track down offenders.”
Mike mentioned though it’s early days for the duo since they’ve been patrolling just for every week. Their job primarily includes going together with frontline officers and serving to them get as a lot as info attainable.
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“For instance, if we are dealing with stolen cars abandoned by offenders. We’d get Fawn out and ask her to track the person/s scent.”
He dismissed the old delusion when a canine handler would maintain out a chunk of fabric to odor and command their canines to find the perpetrators.
“It doesn’t work like that. Trained dogs can easily follow the scent left by the footsteps left by the offenders.”
Mike mentioned German shepherds had been normally the canine breed finest suited to patrolling on account of their “well-rounded” talents equivalent to their confidence, aggression, agility and management.
With eight years of front-line policing expertise, his newfound function as a canine handler was the beginning of a brand new and lengthy journey.
The constable mentioned TRM was created as a part of the Frontline Safety Improvement Programme following the dying of Constable Matthew Hunt throughout a visitors cease in Massey in June 2020 and was rolled out nationally this March.
Northland was one of many few districts the place the mannequin was first trialled and located beneficial outcomes.
“Hopefully we can bring more people to account and reinstate the trust and confidence in the public and make our presence felt,” Mike mentioned.
Avneesh Vincent is the crime and emergency providers reporter on the Advocate. He was beforehand on the Gisborne Herald as the humanities and setting reporter and is captivated with protecting tales that may make a distinction. He joined NZME in July 2023.
