Dogs Support Unit
The Dog Support Unit provides specialist police dog support: tracking suspects, searching for missing people, detecting evidence and accelerants, and supporting public order and armed operations. New handlers complete entry training and probation, then progress through five sub divisions (FID, FED, POD, SPSD and FSD). Apply through the portal, and speak to a DSU Sergeant or Trainer with any questions.
Open applications
No open applications.
Closed applications
No closed applications.
Role and responsibilities
Roles and Responsibilities What DSU does • Tracks and detains suspects who run from police. • Searches for missing and vulnerable people. • Searches buildings, vehicles and open ground for people and evidence. Who we support • Response, traffic and CID with pursuits and area searches. • Armed officers at firearms incidents. • Public order officers at protests and events. • SOCO and investigators at crime and fire scenes. Our sub divisions • FID: finds accelerants at fire scenes. • FED: finds cash, devices and evidence. • POD: supports public order deployments. • SPSD: finds missing and vulnerable people. • FSD: supports armed operations. How we work • Every dog deployment is a use of force, so it must be lawful, safe and proportionate. • The dog's welfare comes first. • Keep control and other units updated. • Protect the scene and evidence. • Give aftercare and record every deployment. • Every handler is trained and assessed before they deploy.
Joining the devision
How to Join DSU 1. Join ERT first. You must be an ERT member before you can apply. 2. Apply. Submit your application through the portal. 3. Get the DSU Cohort role. If your application is successful, you will be given the Cohort role. 4. Complete entry training. A Trainer or Sergeant will book you in. Read the training material so you are ready. 5. Start probation. Once you pass, you join DSU as a probationary dog handler. 6. Progress. After probation, you can request training for the sub divisions.