Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has unveiled its latest crime-fighting team – and they’ve got four legs and a nose for technology.
A new group of specially trained digital detection dogs has completed an intensive eight-week course, earning their licenses to support digital crime investigations across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and Thames Valley.
Working alongside their police handlers, the dogs are now on active duty and already making a difference. Their training has sharpened their ability to sniff out digital and media devices that criminals may attempt to hide or dispose of during investigations. Among the items these canines can detect are mobile phones, laptops, USB sticks, SIM cards, hard drives, spy cameras, tracking devices, and even crypto wallets.
This specialist skillset is vital as offenders often store illegal content on such devices, or use them to coordinate criminal activity. The dogs are now being used to support high-priority cases, including operations by Child Abuse Investigation Units, Priority Crime Teams, and Commercial Vehicle Units.
Police Dog Instructor Tim Lawrence said:
“We are incredibly proud of our dogs and their handlers. They are already making a significant impact in investigations across the forces and playing a crucial role in helping us solve complex cases and protect our communities.”
Residents across Hampshire – including right here in Andover – could soon benefit from the presence of these four-legged digital detectives as police continue to tackle digital crime head-on.