Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, has welcomed the deployment of a new team of people screening drug detection dogs in a nationwide first for policing.

Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Joint Operations Unit have launched the pioneering new police dog capability designed to help identify offenders carrying substances linked to spiking and other harmful offences within the night-time economy.

The team of 6 dogs; Maverick, Puma, Dusty, AJ, Reggie and Major, have been specially trained to detect drugs commonly linked to spiking offences, including substances that are often carried in small quantities or in liquid form.

Matthew Barber said: “This pioneering new capability demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and harmful offences within the night-time economy and builds upon the force’s other work in the night-time economy including Project Vigilant.

“While incidents of spiking in Thames Valley remain low, prevention tactics such as these help to stop harm before it occurs; ensuring less people become victims of crime. The dogs will support proactive police operations across both force areas, helping to identify, disrupt and pursue offenders.

“We are proud to be the first police force in the country to introduce this capability.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has recognised the dog’s new capability, which is now included in the national police dog portfolio.

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: “I am proud that Thames Valley Police has played a leading role in developing this capability alongside our colleagues in Hampshire Constabulary, and that it has now been recognised within the National Police Chiefs’ Council police dog portfolio. This demonstrates our commitment to innovation, partnership working and protecting our communities from those who seek to exploit others.”