SEVEN Tri-Force general purpose dogs have gained their qualification in tactical firearms.

The dogs, who are based in Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire, now have the ability to work alongside armed response officers should they be required.

They are: PD Axel and PC Dave Beck of Avon and Somerset, PD Elmo and PC Andrew Jerreat of Avon and Somerset, PD Quinn and PC Steve Hopwood of Avon and Somerset, PD Monty and PC Justin Andrews of Avon and Somerset, PD Breaker and PC Darren Willis of Wiltshire Police, PD Aden and PC Nick Dalrymple of Avon and Somerset PD Pan and PC Phil Huggett of Avon and Somerset.

All the dogs were trained by Mark Avery of Gloucestershire Constabulary and Nick Dalrymple of Avon and Somerset and on Thursday (May 26) the group were presented with their certificates at Wiltshire Police Headquarters by Assistant Chief Constable Kier Pritchard.

ACC Pritchard said: “It is great to see the camaraderie amongst the handlers once they have completed courses like this. It has been a tough course but I have no doubt the handlers and dogs have had a lot of fun while also learning new skills.

"It is also great to see the three forces working together as one to gain the qualifications and training they need to tackle the most dangerous, prolific people that may cause harm to the public. Well done to all the handlers and their dogs – a fantastic achievement.”

PC Nick Dalrymple said: “The dogs on the course range in age from just under two-years-old to six and all of them are general purpose dogs, but they now have this additional qualification.

"During the course, the dogs have been practicing their searching and tracking skills and detaining criminals amongst many other things. They have to be pretty special dogs - they must be cool headed, sociable and ultra controlled. It’s been a great course with some great students and dogs and we would like to thank Mark for planning the course. A lot of work goes into the planning to enable it to run smoothly."