Four General Purpose (GP) German Shepherd dogs will graduate with and their handlers today after an intensive three month training course.
The four handlers have developed strong bonds with their new dogs and will be out "on the beat" from today. During the demanding training course the dogs are not only tested on their intelligence but are also assessed on their individual character, response to training, and physical strength.
Senior Constable First Class (SC1C) Neil Stevenson graduates with PD Zeus. Neil is a senior member of the Dog Operations Unit and facilitated the training course. PD Zeus will be his fourth General Purpose Dog.
PD Bandit is SC1C Matt Raymond's first General Purpose Dog. Bandit has been in Matt's care since he was eight weeks old. Matt has been with the Dog Operations Unit since 2016 as a drug and firearms dog handler.
SC1C Paul Henderson will graduate with PD Stoic who has also been with Paul since he was a pup. Stoic is Paul's first General Purpose dog. Paul has been a drug dog handler between 2012-2015 and 2018.
SC1C Rob Poole graduates with PD Nero. Rob has previously worked with drug and explosive dogs. Nero is a veteran General Purpose dog but has been be retrained and formed a bond with his new handler. Rob has had a rough ride to graduation with two dogs (PD Roy and PD Izzy) being deemed not suitable and failed from the course.
