Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Friday, 27 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 March 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police: Dogs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what roles are fulfilled by dogs in police forces.

Answer: General purpose dogs are trained to deal with the location and recovery of stolen or lost property; the location and detention of offenders; the location of persons reported missing; the maintenance of public order, both in spontaneous outbreaks and pre-planned operations; and in high visibility patrols, both mobile and on foot to contribute to public reassurance.Firearms support dogs are trained to work in company with, and in support of, teams of armed officers.Pro-active drugs dogs are trained to search areas, buildings and vehicles to locate controlled drugs, and also firearms/component parts/ammunition and quantities of bank notes.Passive scanning drugs dogs are trained to scan the air around people to indicate the scent of controlled drugs.Pro-active scanning explosives dogs are trained to search areas, routes, buildings and vehicles to locate explosives.Passive scanning explosive dogs are trained to scan the air around people to indicate the scent of explosives.Crime scene investigation and victim recovery dogs are trained to search areas, buildings and vehicles to locate bodily fluids and human remains.

Secondary information