Surrey Police Dog Training Centre – Mount Browne,

 

This had been a date long anticipated in the calendar. An opportunity to visit the Surrey Police Dog Training Centre at Mount Browne Surrey Police Headquarters in Guildford. Earlier in my Shrieval year I had seen the explosive detection dogs in operation at Gatwick Airport but Suzanne and I had the pleasure of meeting Sergeant JJ Jones for a tour of the Dog Training School. We were delighted to be joined by Ellie Vesey-Thompson, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner. Sergeant Jones explained they are a trainer and provider of specially trained dogs for countries all over the world and their team of highly qualified instructors and kennel staff are experienced in dealing with all aspects of police and security dog training. A such, they are an income generating unit of Surrey Police. They have some 100 dogs based at the Centre, though housed with their handlers overnight. The dogs commence active training when one year old and continue in service until aged 8 or 9. They use spaniels and german shepherd dogs and there is specific training for explosive detection, drugs, cash and firearms detection, victim recovery and forensic evidence detection, and digital evidence detection. Just as importantly courses are run to train the dog handlers. They also operate a breeding programme as the success rate of a dog successfully completing training is higher. I am not sure Suzanne and my two Bernese Mountain Dogs would pass muster! It was a most enjoyable, informative tour.