It comes as part of a wider commitment to tackle violence against women and girls.
The Joint Operations Unit (JOU), which provides specialist policing capabilities across Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, has launched the pioneering new police dog capability hoping to prevent harm before it happens.
The specially trained dogs are able to detect drugs commonly linked to spiking offences, including substances that are often carried in small quantities or in liquid form.
Police say as students arrive at universities across the Thames Valley and Hampshire for the start of the academic year, officers and specialist police dogs will be supporting proactive operations in the night-time economy, working alongside partners and local schemes to help keep people safe. The dogs - Maverick, Puma, Dusty, AJ, Reggie and Major - are said to have undergone extensive training and will support JOU officers and local policing teams in proactive operations across both force areas.
Thames Valley Police also say the capability has already demonstrated its effectiveness operationally, with the dogs making numerous detections of controlled drugs, including cocaine, which remains one of the most commonly identified substances in policing operations.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: “Keeping people safe remains our priority, particularly within the night-time economy where individuals should be able to enjoy socialising without fear of becoming a victim of crime.
“This innovative dog capability provides officers with an additional tool to identify and deter those carrying substances linked to spiking offences, helping us to prevent harm before it occurs.
“I am proud that Thames Valley Police has played a leading role in developing this capability alongside our colleagues in Hampshire Constabulary, and that it has now been recognised within the National Police Chiefs’ Council police dog portfolio. This demonstrates our commitment to innovation, partnership working and protecting our communities from those who seek to exploit others.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has recognised the dog’s new capability, which is now included in the national police dog portfolio.
A418 Closed between Wingrave Crossroads and Wing
