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
Gulfstream RT

 

Advertisement
PTC PTC
MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

Defence

MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

18 July 2025

Soldiers sprinting through a salon, abseiling into gyms and crawling through offices feature in a striking new campaign by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), turning the tables on the issue of public interruptions to military training exercises.

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

Defence

UAS launched munitions set to combat air and ground targets

18 July 2025

For the first time, BAE Systems has launched a precision munition from a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS) and successfully destroyed both air and ground targets during trials in the US.

UK

Defence

UK's combat air flying demonstrator revealed

17 July 2025

Industry partners, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and MBDA UK, together with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), have revealed the design of the UK’s flagship Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, as the aircraft reaches a major milestone, with two thirds of its structural weight now in manufacturing.

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

Defence

Scottish defence dividend investment launched

16 July 2025

Scottish Secretary and Minister for Defence Procurement & Industry have visited HMNB Clyde to launch the multidecade, multibillion-pound Clyde 2070 programme.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

Defence Events

Captec to showcase next-gen computing at DSEI

16 July 2025

As the defence landscape continues to evolve at pace, with technological advances reshaping mission requirements and placing increasing demands on deployed computing systems, computing specialist Captec will be showcasing next-generation computing platforms at DSEI 2025 (9th–12th September 2025, Excel London).

SkyShark takes flight

Defence Security

SkyShark takes flight

16 July 2025

MGI Engineering, a company forged in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, has officially unveiled SkyShark, a next-generation military drone platform designed to transform battlefield operations with speed, precision and UK-built sovereignty.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025