The Metropolitan Police Dog Training Centre in Keston is a world-renowned facility that plays a crucial role in training and developing police dogs for various operational duties. This article delves into the centre's history, its training programs for general purpose and specialist police dogs, and the impact of these canine units on law enforcement in London.
History and Overview of the Met Police Dog Training Centre Keston
Established in 1953, the Metropolitan Police Dog Training Centre in Keston has been at the forefront of police dog training for over seven decades. Located on a 15-acre site in Keston, Kent, it is one of only nine Regional Police Dog Training Schools in the United Kingdom.
Key Facts:
- Established: 1953
- Location: Keston, Kent
- Size: 15 acres
- Status: One of 9 Regional Police Dog Training Schools in the UK
The centre's reputation extends beyond the UK, as it is recognized globally for its innovative training methods and high standards in producing police and service dogs.
General Purpose Police Dogs at the Met
General Purpose Police Dogs form the backbone of the Metropolitan Police's canine units, comprising approximately 60% of the force's dog population. These versatile canines are trained to perform a wide range of tasks essential to modern policing.
Breeds Used for General Purpose Police Dogs:
- German Shepherds
- Belgian Malinois
Key Responsibilities of General Purpose Police Dogs:
- Locating suspects and property
- Supporting public order incidents
- Assisting in firearms, drugs, and cash recovery operations
- Participating in proactive crime initiatives
These dogs are integral to the Met's 24-hour specialist dog support across London's 32 boroughs, providing rapid and accurate means of searching, locating, and detaining persons or evidence.
Specialist Police Dogs at the Met Police Dog Training Centre Keston
While General Purpose Police Dogs make up the majority, the remaining 40% of the Met's canine force consists of Specialist Search dogs. These dogs undergo specialized training at the Keston facility to perform specific tasks crucial to various police operations.
Breeds Used for Specialist Search Dogs:
- English Springer Spaniels
- Labradors
- Cocker Spaniels
Specialist Search Dog Capabilities:
- Explosive detection
- Human remains searches
- Narcotic detection
- Digital media searches
The Met Police Dog Training Centre Keston continually pioneers new and innovative training methods, particularly in explosive and narcotic detection.
Training Programs at the Met Police Specialist Training Centre
The Dog Training Establishment (DTE) at Keston offers comprehensive training programs for both dogs and handlers. The facility's breeding program has evolved to produce high-quality dogs of various breeds, serving not only the Metropolitan Police but also other police services and agencies across the UK and internationally.
Training Focus Areas:
- General Purpose Dog Training
- Specialist Search Dog Training
- Handler Training
- Continuous Professional Development
The centre employs a team of 14 dedicated instructors who ensure that both dogs and handlers meet the highest standards required for operational work.
Operational Impact of Met Police Dog Units
The Dog Support Unit (DSU) plays a vital role in the Metropolitan Police Service's operations, deploying to over 50,000 calls per year. This round-the-clock service demonstrates the significant impact of well-trained police dogs on law enforcement effectiveness.
Key Operational Statistics:
- Annual deployments: 50,000+
- Coverage: 24/7 support across London
- Operational dogs: 220+
- Dogs in training at any time: 60+
Facilities at the Met Police Dog Training Centre Keston
The Keston facility boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to support the comprehensive training and care of police dogs.
Key Facilities:
- Purpose-built kennels
- Breeding facilities
- Training grounds
- Veterinary consulting room
These facilities enable the centre to maintain a controlled environment for effective dog training and ensure the health and welfare of the animals.
The Role of Kennel Staff at Keston
Kennel staff play a crucial role in supporting the Dog Support Unit at the Met Police Dog Training Centre Keston. Their responsibilities include:
- Caring for operational police dogs during handler absences
- Feeding, grooming, and exercising police dogs
- Administering medication as prescribed by veterinarians
- Cleaning kennels and surrounding areas
- Assisting in the veterinary consulting room
- Maintaining accurate kennel logs and veterinary treatment records
- Supporting the whelping of brood bitches and caring for puppies
Community Engagement and Public Relations
The Met Police Dog Training Centre Keston also plays a role in community engagement. Police dogs are often deployed for community events, helping to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the public.
Community Engagement Activities:
- Public demonstrations of police dog capabilities
- Educational visits to schools and community groups
- Participation in local events and fairs
These activities help to showcase the important work of police dogs and their handlers while fostering trust and understanding within the community.
Challenges and Future Developments
As with any specialized unit, the Met Police Dog Training Centre Keston faces ongoing challenges and opportunities for development.
Current Challenges:
- Maintaining high training standards amidst budget constraints
- Adapting to evolving criminal tactics and technologies
- Ensuring the welfare and ethical treatment of police dogs
Future Developments:
- Exploring new training methodologies
- Incorporating advanced technologies in dog training and deployment
- Expanding international collaborations and knowledge-sharing
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Police Dog Training Centre Keston stands as a testament to the crucial role that well-trained police dogs play in modern law enforcement. From general purpose police dogs to highly specialized search dogs, the centre's comprehensive training programs ensure that the Met Police can deploy effective canine units across a wide range of operational scenarios.
As the centre continues to innovate and adapt to new challenges, it remains at the forefront of police dog training, setting standards not only for the UK but for law enforcement agencies worldwide. The dedication of the staff, the quality of the facilities, and the exceptional capabilities of the dogs trained at Keston all contribute to making London's streets safer and supporting the vital work of the Metropolitan Police Service.
| Type of Police Dog | Percentage of MPS Dogs | Primary Breeds | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Purpose | 60% | German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois | Suspect location, public order support, crime initiatives |
| Specialist Search | 40% | English Springer Spaniels, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels | Explosive detection, narcotics search, digital media search |
By continuing to invest in and develop the Met Police Dog Training Centre Keston, the Metropolitan Police Service ensures that it maintains a highly skilled and versatile canine unit capable of meeting the complex challenges of modern policing in one of the world's most dynamic cities.