Originally called the Animal Welfare Scheme, the Police Dog Welfare Scheme was started following the death of a police dog, whilst in training, in Essex; and the subsequent prosecution of the officers involved.
The scheme aims to maintain public confidence and ensure that Derbyshire Constabulary’s procedures are ethical, humane and transparent.
Police Dog Visitors are members of the local community who observe, comment and report on the conditions in which the Constabulary’s dogs are housed, trained and transported. Unannounced visits are made to the kennels at Force Headquarters or to the training facilities used.
As with the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme, Police Dog Visitors are volunteers who do not receive a salary but are reimbursed for any expenses incurred in making a visit. Full training is given.
There are no vacancies on the Police Dog Visiting Scheme at the moment.
We work with the five freedoms guidelines to ensure our working dogs are healthy and happy.
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury and disease
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
- Freedom from fear and distress
For further volunteer opportunities with Derbyshire Constabulary check their website here.