Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Dstl's Police Dogs deliver the long paw of the law

Defence Security

Dstl's Police Dogs deliver the long paw of the law

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) released a video today that shows how dogs of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) help ensure Dstl sites remain safe and secure.

The new video goes behind the scenes to highlight the training and work of some of the most important workers at the Dstl sites.

In April this year, licensed Police Dog (PD) Meti joined the ranks of the MDP who provide security at Dstl at Porton Down.

Above: Police Dog Meti with his handler Richard Burley.
Courtesy Dstl

Meti’s handler, PC Richard Burley, who has worked with PDs for 30 years, said: "Being a dog handler is the best job in the world, even when we are out in wind and rain on Salisbury Plain. We form an incredibly close bond with the animals and it is a partnership based on mutual trust. Not every dog will make the grade and I’m chuffed that all the hours of work have paid off. Special thanks to our MDP trainers who get the best out of us all.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Chief Inspector Rodger Robbins, the senior police officer at Dstl, added: "The dogs provide an essential capability for the force and are instrumental in preserving the security of Dstl. We’re delighted to welcome PD Meti to the MDP."

Meti was licensed to join the force after passing a rigorous eight-week training course. The two-year-old German Shepherd was tested across a range of skills and abilities for his policing role essential for the safety and security of people and premises at Dstl. These include tracking, open area and premises searching for offenders and missing persons, searching for lost or stolen property, agility, chasing and detaining suspects and exposure to noise and distractions. Underpinning all of these tests was the dog’s obedience and response to his handler’s instructions which he passed with flying colours.

All dogs receive basic training by the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) before being considered for selection by the MDP. Throughout their time in the force, each year all PDs are required to complete a minimum of 80 hours of training to retain their license. The programme is devised to meet the Home Office standards used for the licensing of Home Office police dogs so that the MDP dogs can be deployed in support of regional police forces, such as helping to trace missing persons.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
GKN Aerospace secures Typhoon transparencies contract

Defence

GKN Aerospace secures Typhoon transparencies contract

10 July 2025

GKN Aerospace has has signed a six-year follow-on contract with BAE Systems for continued manufacture of Eurofighter Typhoon transparencies at its Luton facility, through to the end of 2030.

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

Defence Security

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

10 July 2025

Metis has won a contract to supply a number of Skyperion drone detection systems to a NATO customer to provide the drone detect function as part of an integrated Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) capability.

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

Defence Space

ALL.SPACE unveils Hydra MAX

10 July 2025

ALL.SPACE has revealed a major advancement in mobile satellite communications with the successful demonstration of Hydra MAX - the first network independent terminal of its kind to deliver ultra wideband communications to multiple satellites simultaneously.

BAE Systems assessed

Defence

BAE Systems assessed 'Awardable' for US DoD work in P1 Solutions Marketplace

9 July 2025

BAE Systems in collaboration with Defense Unicorns, have announced that their joint solution has achieved 'Awardable' status for US Department of Defense (DoD) work through the US Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Government unveils Team UK approach to defence

Defence

Government unveils Team UK approach to defence

8 July 2025

UK Government plans to deliver jobs across the country by unlocking the full economic potential of Britain's defence sector are being unveiled today.

Construction begins on SLA accommodation at RAF Cosford

Defence

Construction begins on SLA accommodation at RAF Cosford

8 July 2025

Construction has started on a new 50-bedroom Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.

Advertisement
ODU RT