A charity rescue named Dexter has joined Wiltshire Police as a specialist search dog – today put through his paces in a training exercise.
When the 18-month-old Labrador was handed over to Dogs Trust in January this year, he was quickly identified as having a strong working instinct.
After undergoing extensive training, he has now been licensed as a police dog and has joined the force to sniff out substances with handler PC Vicki Pegrum.
In an exercise at an abandoned NHS building off Pans Lane in Devizes this morning (Wednesday), Dexter was put to the test – with Wiltshire 999s there to witness his work.
Both inside and outside the derelict property, he searched for illicit substances planted by police dog trainer Cindy Hargreave.
The loving bond between PC Pegrum and Dexter was apparent throughout, with many a face lick and plenty of cuddles obsevered.
Staff from the Dogs Trust were also there to watch the exercise – and were left impressed by Dexter’s new skills.
Trainer Cindy Hargreave said: “Dexter is larger than life in everything he does.
“We have found that he throws himself into everything with total commitment and he is always fully focused on every task he is asked to perform.”
She continued: “Dexter is resilient and able to recover from situations quickly which is one of the many qualities we look for in a Police Dog.
“Dexter is happiest when he is working and he thrives on searching and performing his role as a specialist search dog.
“Dexter lived with me for the first few months of his life after Wiltshire Police adopted him from Dogs Trust, prior to resettling with his handler.
“I gradually exposed him to all things environmental that would assist him in his new role and began his training in preparation for his course.
“This entailed training his indication, which is the position he offers once he locates what he is trained to find, and developing his search skills around vehicles building and routes/areas.
“I’m pleased to say Dexter went from strength to strength on his initial course proving that he was a dog that most definitely needed a job to fulfil his drive.”
Wiltshire Police joined the Animal Welfare Visitors Scheme (AWS) in 2024 and has since trained three dogs re-homed through Dogs Trust.
The national scheme, launched in 2002, ensures high standards of welfare in the training, housing and transport of police dogs.
Louise Crawford, Animal Welfare Scheme Coordinator at Dogs Trust, said: “Dexter is the third dog adopted from Dogs Trust by Wiltshire Police since they joined the Animal Welfare Scheme in 2024.
“Dexter was identified by the team at Dogs Trust Cardiff as being suitable for a working home due to his strong working instinct.
“I am delighted that Dexter has completed his training and is now a fully licensed police dog. Rescue dogs have so much to offer and can achieve great things, as Dexter’s story illustrates.
“We wish him a long and happy career with Wiltshire Police.”
More information about Dogs Trust’s work with service dogs can be found here.
