A police officer from Devon and his trusted dog are rated among the best working pairs in the UK after bringing trophies home from two competitions.
Ministry of Defence Police dog unit PC Simon Hill and Jura were the first ever from Devonport Naval Base, in Plymouth, to enter the National Police Dog Handling Assessment Finals where they came fourth.
Prize-winning Jura has also been named the current British Police and Service Dog of the Year for the second year running.
PC Hill said: “Considering it was only the second year of competing in any sort of competition, I’m very proud of this achievement and of Jura. He’s a fantastic working dog. He’s got a huge appetite for working and loves all the disciplines.”
ura qualified for the National Police Dog Handling finals, held near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, following his success in the South West regional heat.
The dogs, from all types of police forces, sought to impress with displays demonstrating their working skills, including obedience, searches, guarding and chasing an armed and un-armed person.
“Jura is a professional through and through,” PC Hill added. “But he also has character. He is a confident and boisterous young dog. I’ve had him since he was a nine-week-old puppy and he’s now four and a half years.
“He’s part of my family. He lives with me and my wife and daughter and enjoys being sociable with us.”
