Tamworth police dog squad unit: Position filled after 12-month vacancy

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson confirmed a trainer has applied for the position that has remained vacant since November 2018, when the last tracking dog and one-man unit left.

"I spoke to the Western Region Commander today who has confirmed that they have filled the position for a dog handler for Tamworth," he said.

"It's a sixteen-week training course and all going well that will continue to progress.

"I'm very appreciative of the work done by police to try to fill that position, it's a difficult position to fill and they have been trying to fill it, I think it's great news they have now filled that position and we can get on with having it back in Tamworth."

Without a police dog squad unit in the region, Oxley and New England police had to make applications to have a unit travel from at least three hours away.

Given applications couldn't be made at short notice, the dog squad vacancy hampered abilities to catch offenders in time-sensitive operations.

Mr Anderson acknowledged that the Tamworth position had been difficult to fill.

"Everybody knows we have been pushing hard, there had been rumours the position had been transferred," he said.

"I remained very strong on the view the position was not to be out of Tamworth while recruitment was undertaken."

Read also:

The addition of a trained police officer and tracking dog would allow police to catch crooks quicker and deter others, Mr Anderson said.

"The thing crooks will fear most is getting bitten by a dog," he said.

"This is a great boost for police resources, the dog unit plays an important role in getting on top of crime, particularly from a proactive sense."

The officer's start date is not set yet as they must pass and complete a rigorous training program.

Want more local news? Subscribe to the Leader to read it here first