TWO police officers, and their four legged friends, have come out top in a regional police dog competition.

The officers from the Tri-Force Specialist Operations Unit took part in assessments at the competition in Dorset, along with eight other forces from the South West, Wales and the MOD, with competitors being tested on all areas of operational dog handling including obedience, tracking, searching, public order crowd control and detaining criminals.

PC Justin Andrews and three-year-old German shepherd, PD Monty, had a near faultless performance and retained their Tracking Trophy, going one better than last year by winning the overall phase.

They were named the top performing team for tracking, property searches and stand-offs, which involves the dog detaining and controlling the criminal without physically biting them.  

Meanwhile, PC Andy Jerreat and PD Elmo, came out top in the “Criminal” category work, and, following an fantastic overall performance, they secured their place at the upcoming National Police Dog Trials, which will be hosted by Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire in May..

Tri-Force Specialist Operations Dogs Inspector, Shane Hawkings, said: “I am delighted that the Tri-Force collaboration were represented at this year’s regional assessments and will be competing again at a national level. We have produced national winners in the past. 

“The trials not only encourage the pursuit of excellence but provide a fantastic opportunity for the sharing of good practice at a national and regional level. 

“They are a demonstration of the high professional standards expected of our dog teams. Well done to all who took part and I wish PC Jarreat and PD Elmo the very best of luck for May.”

Avon and Somerset sergeant Denis McCoy, who has been appointed secretary for the trials, said: “The dog trials are a great opportunity for handlers from different forces to come together and build relationships as well as share good practice and continue to improve operational effectiveness.”