Woof justice
ONE of Cheshire Constabulary’s first social media stars has taken to the streets after passing his police dog training.
Cheshire police dog recruit Bolt first appeared on the scene in 2015, when officers took to social media for help to decide on his name before he began his training.
Now, Bolt has passed his training course and has taken to the streets with his handler, PC Kate Hinds.
Since Bolt passed his training in January, he and PC Hinds have been out and about in the county performing all kinds of duties, including searching for people, including criminals and missing people, and providing a reassuring presence at public events, such as football matches.
He also tracks people using scents from scenes of crime and chases fleeing criminals.
PC Hinds, from the Cheshire Police Dog Unit, said: “It’s really important that Bolt and I have a good working relationship built on trust. When we’re out there on duty, he’s got my back and I’ve got his.
“We’re a team and it’s vital he understands what I want him to do, and being such a feisty one, actually does what I want him to do. That’s why the training and the matching up of the handler and the dog is so important.”
PC Hinds, who also has a drugs dog, Pippa, added: “It’s a real challenge but an absolute honour to be working alongside these animals, they are so intelligent and hard working.
“It’s wonderful to see that these animals are so eagerly helping us to keep people safe and bring offenders to justice.” ●