If you ever needed proof of the impact our police dogs make, a recent busy block of shifts in Christchurch delivered it.
In just a few days, during the week of 16-22 March, Christchurch's dog teams helped identify 57 offences across 10 deployments, cleared 34 outstanding warrants and resolved 91 offences.
Their work also led to the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles and the safe seizure of prohibited firearms, drugs and ammunition from the community.
Police dog trainer Sergeant Kurt Stephenson says the week demonstrated the breadth of incidents dog teams are called to, and the difference they make in keeping people safe.
“Our dog teams are incredibly driven,” Kurt says. “They’re out there every day doing everything they can to find the people causing harm in our communities – dangerous repeat offenders, gang members, young people behaving badly and anyone else who thinks they can run, hide or put others at risk.
“They bring a level of skill and expertise that you just can’t replicate. Their tracking, their ability to locate offenders, and the support they provide during high risk situations is outstanding.”
The offences tackled over the week included serious assaults, vehicle thefts, burglaries, fleeing driver incidents and situations involving armed or volatile offenders. Dog teams assisted in tracking people who fled from staff, safely detaining individuals hiding in residential areas, and helping resolve tense or unpredictable incidents inside homes and in public places.
Some of the patrol dogs who've been putting their best paws forward with their handlers in Christchurch. Pictured, from left: Aero, Griff, Gusto, Hutch, Oku, Rosco and Ori.
“They’re an asset not just to Canterbury but to policing across the country. What they achieved [in that week] is just one snapshot of the difference they make every day.”