Latest police recruit Lynx put through her paces
LYNX the new police dog has this week been introduced to the beat.
After 12 weeks of training, the 21-month-old German shepherd will now be taken on patrol with police dog handler Dan Thomas.
Work will include tracking, patrols, searching for missing persons and criminal work, such as finding property left behind by offenders after a crime.
‘She lives with me, as it creates a stronger relationship and bond,’ said PC Thomas.
‘She is definitely very protective.’
After two days on the job, Lynx has so far not been directly involved in any incidents but she continues to work alongside her handler on a day-to-day basis.
Exercises with Lynx show how she would handle criminals in the line of duty.
One role-play shows her tracking and challenging a criminal to surrender by keeping hold of them until called off by her handler.
Chris Williamson is also a police dog handler, and keeps general purpose police dog, Iggy, and pro-active drugs search dog, Gully.
‘After twenty years, I consider myself to be very lucky to be able to do this job,’ he said.
‘A lot has changed over the years in what we look for and how we train the dogs.
‘They are very loyal and they do a great job.’
Lynx, whose parents were also police dogs, will now work to keep the island safe.
