A new police dog and handler are joining the ranks of Oxley Police District in the state's north-west today.
The Dog Unit's general-purpose dog Alpha and his handler – whose identity is protected – will begin duties at Tamworth Police Station today (Monday 9 November 2020).
Oxley Police District Commander Superintendent Kylie Endemi says the Dog Unit will boost the capability of police to respond to a range of crimes and ensure public safety in the region.
"We've had ongoing community support leading up to this as the public understands how valuable it is to have a police dog and handler amongst our local ranks. Police dog Alpha and his handler give our local policing resources a critical piece in our tool kit in terms of disrupting and responding to crime in our local area," Superintendent Endemi said.
"Oxley Police District are extremely appreciative of the collaboration with the Police Dog Unit who have worked for some time to recruit and train someone into this position. It's exciting and we're thrilled to have this additional resource again attached to our local area, working from Tamworth."
Superintendent Endemi said the Dog Unit will also provide officers with flexibility to utilise the resource in any emerging issue within the district.
"The handler and dog have an extended capability in a number of policing areas, and they will be utilised in terms of responding to a range of jobs within our district," Superintendent Endemi said.
"We'll certainly be utilising them to work closely with our Proactive Crime Team to address volume crimes such as break-ins and motor vehicles thefts."
