Kent Police is recruiting for German Shepherd dogs who will be specially trained to fight crime in the county.

Officers are asking for dogs aged between 12 and 18 months to join the service.

Ideal candidates will receive first class training, where they will be nurtured and developed in areas such as tracking, searching and looking for missing people.

Inspector Preston Chalk said: "All of our dogs live with their handlers and receive the very best in nutrition and veterinary care."

Kent Police operates a voluntary lay visitor’s scheme in partnership with the RSPCA and Guide Dogs for the Blind and our kennels and dog are routinely inspected by them.

Potential dogs should possess lots of energy, be confident, sociable and enjoy playing with toys.

If someone would like to support the service by nominating their dog for donation then they should contact Kent Police. A dog handler will then pay a house visit and assess the dog in the home environment. If the candidate demonstrates the character traits sought, a four day suitability assessment will be conducted at the Kent Police kennels.

Those dogs passing this assessment would begin their training in the second week in January.

Anyone wishing to gift their dog to the police should contact Sue Gibbs, Kent Police Kennel Manager, weekdays between 8am and 4pm on 07980 770597 or alternatively email kentpolicegiftdogs@kent.pnn.police.uk  

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©