Police Constable Dog Handler Transferee

Avon and Somerset Police; Almondsbury; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation allowance up to £8,000

Job summary

Avon and Somerset Police is seeking an experienced, current serving PC Dog Handler for the Operational Support Team (OST). Officers must reside within the Avon and Somerset Force area; relocation allowance of up to £8,000 may be available for those moving from outside the area.

The role involves leading dog policing across the OST area, responding to incidents, training dogs, and progressing to specialist search operations. Applicants must meet the conduct and performance standards of the force.

Qualifications

• Current serving police dog handler with no live written improvement notices or punishments in the past 18 months.
• No live written warning, final written warning or extended final written warning issued under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012.
• No improvement notice or action plan in place according to Police Officer Performance and Attendance procedures.
• Experience as a dog handler within your current force.
• Residing within the Avon and Somerset Force area (or eligible for special dispensation if outside).
• Ability to live in a private home with suitable space for a kennel and possess a suitable vehicle to transport dogs.

Responsibilities

• Provide first‑class police dog policing across the OST force area, covering public disorder, searching, tracking and other operational policing tasks.
• Deploy in response to spontaneous incidents, planned operations and significant events requiring dog policing services.
• Work as part of a team of five dog handlers, reporting to the Duty OST Sergeant and Specialist Police Dog Leads.
• Maintain and enhance the health, welfare and training of police dogs under your care, supporting their ongoing development of specialist skills.
• Participate in regular professional development opportunities, including progression to specialist search dog operations (drugs, explosives, victim recovery, digital detection).

Skills

Dog handling

Teamwork

Vehicle for dogs

Job description

Job Overview

Avon and Somerset Constabulary is recruiting an experienced, current serving PC Dog Handler for its Operational Support Team (OST). Officers must reside within the Avon and Somerset Force area. A relocation allowance of up to £8,000 may be available for those moving from outside the area.

Responsibilities

• Provide first‑class police dog policing across the OST force area, covering public disorder, searching, tracking and other operational policing tasks.
• Deploy in response to spontaneous incidents, planned operations and significant events requiring dog policing services.
• Work as part of a team of five dog handlers, reporting to the Duty OST Sergeant and Specialist Police Dog Leads.
• Maintain and enhance the health, welfare and training of police dogs under your care, supporting their ongoing development of specialist skills.
• Participate in regular professional development opportunities, including progression to specialist search dog operations (drugs, explosives, victim recovery, digital detection).

Requirements

• Current serving police dog handler with no live written improvement notices or punishments in the past 18 months.
• No live written warning, final written warning or extended final written warning issued under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012.
• No improvement notice or action plan in place according to Police Officer Performance and Attendance procedures.
• Experience as a dog handler within your current force.
• Residing within the Avon and Somerset Force area (or eligible for special dispensation if outside).
• Ability to live in a private home with suitable space for a kennel and possess a suitable vehicle to transport dogs.

What We Offer

• A high quality of life with an innovative force that values training, development and empowerment.
• Opportunities to work in a diverse region that includes 1,844 square miles of moorland, farmland, coastline, holiday resorts, market towns and cities such as Bath and Bristol.
• Support for a representative workforce, including neurodiversity and inclusive practices.

Recruitment Process

• Apply by clicking the "Apply" button at the bottom of this page.
• Shortlisting based on training records, sickness record, probationary completion and suitability for the role.
• Interviews conducted via Teams.
• Two‑day practical assessment, including a fitness test.
• Pre‑employment checks.

Additional Information

• Current Force policy requires officers to live within a 20‑mile radius of the posting. A lease or purchase of property should not be entered until a posting is confirmed.
• Postings are determined by operational demand and preferences will be considered where possible.
• Officers are expected to remain in their first posting for at least two years, though promotion may be pursued within that period.

Salary and Leave

• Pay is according to national rates, paid directly into the officer’s bank or building society account on the 28th of each month.
• Any holiday already booked by a successful officer will be honoured for the year, subject to written confirmation at the interview.
• Time off in lieu must be taken before joining Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
• Pension rights are typically transferable between forces.

For any questions regarding this role, please contact:

Inspector Ricki Lippiatt – [e-mail]

PS Samuel Davies – [e-mail]

PS Ben Smith – [e-mail]

Or email [e-mail] for further information.