The Work of a Police Dog Handler

Prospective police officers got expert advice on the work of a dog handler during a fascinating hands-on session at East Riding College.

Humberside Police dog handler PC Lisa Chafer brought in working dogs Rolo and Kane to the Public Services lesson and explained the different roles they had – searching and chasing, respectively.

She also gave examples of the situations a dog handler could find themselves in and what type of environment they work in, including football matches, crowd control, drug searches and missing person searches.  PC Chafer then went on to demonstrate how Rolo is able to search, involving the students and asking them to hide a sample for Rolo to find.

She also talked to the class about her role and her experiences, and gave the students the opportunity to ask questions related to their assignment work on her role and her responsibilities.

Student Beccie Cahill, 19, from Garton on the Wolds, said: “I really enjoyed the dogs and it has inspired me to consider a career such as a dog handler.”

Adam Dykes, 16 from North Newbald, said: “Lisa was a really interesting guest speaker and I enjoyed the training techniques that she showed with the dogs and the dog in a work situation.”

Matthew Taylor, 18, from Hornsea, said: “I found the dog handler visit really fascinating, especially finding out how they train their dogs by using simple rewards such a tennis ball. It gave me a good insight into joining the police.”

Public Services courses at East Riding College prepare students for a career in the armed forces and uniformed services, with units on topics such as the government, crime, team leading and physical fitness, as well as opportunities to go on expeditions and take part in adventure activities.

Tutor Julie Marr said: “This was a brilliant session. It followed last week’s session on the Humberside Police careers presentation.

“The aim was to help the students find out more about the role of a dog handler and for them to complete assignment work, as well as giving students an insight into careers opportunities within the police force.”

PC Chafer said:

“I really enjoyed coming to visit the College and meeting the students, and I hope they enjoyed meeting Rolo and Kane.
“Meeting people face-to-face like this gives them the opportunity to ask relevant questions and give them a realistic idea of what the job of a dog handler is really like.

“It was also nice to share my own experiences and to speak to enthusiastic people about how they can become a dog handler.”

For  more information on Public Services or other courses at East Riding College, visit www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk or call 0845 120 0037.