Police Dog Trainer
Role Overview
As a Police Dog Instructor, you will be responsible for delivering and coordinating both initial and ongoing training for police dogs, handlers, trainers, and dog teams.
You will play a pivotal role in developing operational capability, identifying training needs, assessing performance, and ensuring compliance with national standards.
Working within Merseyside Police's accredited Police Dog Training School, you will provide specialist instruction, advice, and guidance while supporting the continued professional development of handlers and the welfare of police dogs throughout their careers.
This is a rewarding and varied role that combines practical instruction, operational expertise, stakeholder engagement, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in police dog training.
Full Job Posting
Desirable Qualifications
- NPCC Detection Dog Instructor Certificate .
- NPCC Firearms Support Dog Instructor Certificate.
- NCTAS: Understanding of NCTAS and implications to dog training.
- Dog Legislation Officer Qualified
- Knowledge and Experience
- You will have:
- Extensive knowledge of police dog training methodologies and operational deployment requirements.
- An understanding of animal welfare legislation, animal-related offences, and health and safety requirements.
- Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- The ability to inspire confidence, build professional relationships, and support continuous improvement.
- A commitment to maintaining professional standards, personal development, and operational excellence.
- Working Environment
- The Police Dog Unit forms part of the Matrix model , providing specialist support and operational capability across Merseyside Police. The unit is an accredited Police Dog Training School responsible for training and licensing operational police dogs, handlers, and instructors.
- You will work closely with:
- Dog Training Sergeants
- Matrix Dog Inspector
- Police Dog Handlers
- Kennel Providers
- Veterinary Care Providers
- Partner Police Forces
- Animal Welfare Agencies
- Dog Breeders and associated specialists
- The Challenges
- This role requires an individual who can:
- Meet the diverse training and welfare needs of police dogs and handlers.
- Maintain professional and operational standards in a highly specialised environment.
- Build and sustain effective partnerships with training venues, breeders, welfare providers, and policing partners.
- Balance operational demands with the ongoing development of dog teams and instructors.
- Why Join Us?
- This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future capability of Merseyside Police Dog Unit. You will directly influence the training, welfare, and operational effectiveness of police dogs and handlers while contributing to public safety and the prevention and detection of crime across Merseyside.
- If you are an experienced and motivated police dog professional with a passion for developing people and working dogs to the highest standards, we would welcome your application.
- Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates who meet the essential criteria outlined above.
- Please ensure you have approval from your Ch Supt/BCU Commander/Head of Department before applying
- Please provide your 1000 word evidence based on the JDQ and CVF below
- Click here for the JDQ
- Click here for the CVF
About Merseyside Police
Government territorial police force serving Merseyside’s 1.5 million residents across four local policing areas.
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