Dog Support Unit

The Dog Support Unit is a support service that can be called upon to assist in missing person searches, searching for criminals or property, locating drugs or explosives, hostage situations and crowd control. Police dogs are commonly specially bred within Police kennels, to ensure a constant supply of dogs. However, some are still bought in, or provided by the public if the dog is still young enough for training. Their main role is to provide proactive and reactive assistance in support of all operational officers and specialist departments by appropriate use of police dogs; to locate and retrieve evidence or offenders, to control potential and actual disturbances, and to enhance officer and public safety.

As the Dog Support Unit we assist all officers within most areas of policing. Dog handlers work with specially trained dogs to help detect and prevent crime, find lost or missing people and protect property. As a dog handler you will help with foot pursuits and provide support in vehicles in case of a decamp.

Divisional Requirements

Gaining entry into the Dog Support Unit is by no means a really easy process. We look for officers who will be able to control not just themself but a dog whilst patrolling on the streets as well. Our recruitment cycle tends to be every month or as in when our command feels like we're ready to allow more handlers into our division. Whilst our applications are not open but you feel like you would like to gain some experience you suggest that you apply for a ride along via the divisional interest form.

Our requirements:

To be ranked PC or higher and complete your 7 day probation
To have at least 30 hours in the game
To have no TX warnings or bans within 6 weeks
To have a desire to learn and progress
To be able to innovate and adapt
To have great communication skills
To be able to remain professional at all times
You may choose to have IPP training but it is not essential for DSU

What do we look for in an officer?

Good communication skills
Leadership qualities
Forward thinking
Desire to learn
Good team work skills
Mature and sensible
Ability to collaborate with other divisions

Progression Route

We have many progression routes within DSU. For those wishing to give back as a mentor for those aiming to join the division or even learn more about the division, we have our active buddy team who provide ride-alongs for all those who request a ride along. Our training teams act as a perfect route for internal progression within the Dog Support Unit as it provides a platform to prove yourself for more advanced roles such as sergeant and will allow you to shape your future within the Dog Support Unit.

Training & Subdivisions

DSU has a few training packages available for our handlers as part of our division, which all cover a large area of London Police operations.

Specialist (Persons) Search Dogs (SSD)

Specialist Persons Search Dog (SSD) and their handlers are highly trained in locating missing persons, tracking individuals via scent, and searching for high-value items or substances. These may include firearms, ammunition, drugs, and other contraband or evidence critical to ongoing investigations. SSD handlers play a vital role in assisting investigative and tactical units.

Your canine partner excels in both human scent tracking and evidence detection. Whether it’s finding a missing person in a vast outdoor area, tracking a suspect’s escape route, or locating hidden contraband, your dog’s training ensures rapid and accurate results.

* SSD is a mandatory training and must be completed after probation

Firearm Support Dogs (FSD)

The Firearms Support Dogs is a subdivision for the Dog Support Unit. Dogs and Handlers apart from the Firearms Support Dogs are trained in the detection of bombs, explosive materials, firearms and other weapons.

The main focus of a Firearm Support Dog is to detect things that may not be able to be visibly seen by an officer. The Firearm Support Dog is the most elite subunit within the Dog Support Unit and needs those that can proactively and effectively do their job.

As a Firearm Support Dog handler you will; have a closer insight into how AFO operates, in some cases be on the front line with AFO, your Dogs will be highly trained in sniffing out the likes of gun residue, or explosive material such as sulphur / nitro-glycerine (compounds commonly used in the production of gunpowder or explosive devices), You'll receive tandem training and the ability to attend AFO pursuits, Training on what AFO call "Tactic X-ray", Access to new vehicles, and the ability to apply for FRA (First Response Advanced) medical training.

FSD eligibility requirements:

To have been within DSU for at least 2 months before applying
To have high activity within DSU
To be professional at all times
To have great communication skills
To be competent and confident to work well in a team
To be able to make risk assessments and judgement calls at a moment's notice

Explosive Detection Dog (EDD)

These dogs will be specially trained in locating anything bomb related - Bombs, chemicals that make bombs, etc. You and your dog will be working alongside EOD and maybe even AFO / CTSFO more closely. Your canine partner is trained in many things including searching for bombs, hidden bombs, vest bombs, and chemical compounds involved with the development of bombs / gun powder.

As EDD you will -
Have a closer insight into how AFO/EOD operates. Your Dogs will be highly trained in sniffing out explosive material such as sulfur / nitro-glycerine (compounds commonly used in the production of gunpowder or explosive devices). Access to a new vehicle and uniform. EDD is a far more advanced role and requires you to think outside the box and make difficult decisions. Also being able to perform under pressure with limited time at a moment's notice and to be able to listen well to EOD and instructions given.

EDD eligibility requirements:

You must have been in DSU for at least 5 weeks (including probation) before applying
Have high activity within DSU
Be professional at all times
Have great communication skills
Be competent and confident to work well in a team
Be able to make risk assessments and judgment calls at a moments notice