Recently young learner Sam visited the Dog Unit for Devon and Cornwall Police in Middlemoor, Exeter, where police dogs are looked after and trained.

The dog handling team train German Shepard dogs from puppies to undertake different duties, including: tracking missing people; locating stolen property; chasing and detaining suspects; and keeping order in crowds. Some other breeds of dog, including labradors and spaniels, are trained to find explosives or drugs.

Sam met different police dogs on his visit, including a new recruit – police puppy Ella!

Occupational therapist Sarah said:

‘Over the years Sam has expressed a love of animals, especially dogs, alongside an interest in the police force. Being given the opportunity to meet the police dogs and their handlers was a dream come true for Sam. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.’