Police Constable Dog Handler Transferee

Avon and Somerset Police; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force is seeking an experienced PC Dog Handler to deliver specialist policing services. You will handle police dogs, respond to incidents, and maintain the well-being of the dogs in your care. Applicants must be current serving dog handlers from a Home Office Force, ready to meet specific requirements and live within the force area. Opportunities for professional development are available, including handling specialized search dogs.

Benefits

Relocation allowance up to £8000

Opportunities for professional development

Dynamic and supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Current serving police dog handler required.
• Experience with public order and spontaneous incidents.
• Ability to maintain a secure environment for police dogs.

Responsibilities

• Provide first class Police dog services to the community.
• Handle and develop Police Dog(s) in your care.
• Participate in planned operations and significant events.

Skills

Dog handling expertise

Public order skills

Incident response

Job description

Overview

It is a requirement for Officers to reside within the Avon and Somerset Force area. If you are relocating from outside of the force area, you may be eligible for a relocation allowance of up to £8000. If you reside outside of the force area and wish to apply, this would be subject to a special dispensation being granted by Avon and Somerset.

An exciting opportunity has arisen in Avon and Somerset within one of the Operational Support Teams (OST) for an experienced, current serving PC Dog Handler. The Avon and Somerset dog handling team deliver specialist operational policing services 24/7 to the communities of Avon and Somerset.

Role and Expectations

This varied role involves providing first class Police dog policing to the communities of Avon and Somerset with duties including public order, searching and tracking, and more. You will be deployed to spontaneous incidents, planned operations and other significant events requiring dog policing services anywhere within the OST Force area. You will work as part of a friendly team of 5 Dog Handlers reporting to the duty OST Sergeant and Specialist Police Dog Leads, with support from trained dog handlers and a team of dog training staff led by the Dog Unit Training Manager and five full-time trainers.

You will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing Police Dog(s) in your care, providing an environment in which they are well cared for and able to develop their specialist skills. This role offers opportunities for future development, including progression to handling a specialist search dog (Drugs/Explosive/Victim recovery/Digital detection).

You will need to live in a home that allows you to keep a working police dog and have space for a kennel in a secure back garden. You must also have a suitable vehicle to transport the dog(s) from home to work.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Am I eligible?

• You must be a current serving police dog handler.
• You must be transferring from a Home Office Force and meet the following criteria:

1. Have no live written improvement notices issued under the Police (Performance) Regulations 2012 or reduction in rank under those procedures in the previous 18 months.
2. Have no live written warning, final written warning or extended final written warning issued under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012; (note – a finding of misconduct where no separate penalty is applied does not debar an officer).
3. Have no improvement notice/action plan in place, in accordance with the Police Officer Performance and Attendance procedures.
4. Be an experienced Dog handler within your current force.

What We Offer/Our Organization

Avon and Somerset Constabulary has a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force with ongoing commitment to support, develop and empower staff to deliver the best possible service. We offer opportunities for better quality of life coupled with exciting and challenging policing. The force covers 1,844 square miles and serves a diverse population; we are committed to equality of access to policing for all and to achieving a diverse and representative workforce. We are neurodiversity and inclusive and welcome applications from everyone. Our inclusive culture - Avon & Somerset Police

The Recruitment Process

1. To apply for this vacancy, click apply at the bottom of this screen.
2. Shortlisting includes review of training records, sickness record and probationary completion from the current force and suitability for the role.
3. Interviews will be conducted via Teams.
4. 2-day practical assessment, including fitness test.
5. Pre-employment checks.

Should you require any further information regarding this role within the Constabulary, please email [e-mail]

What you need to know

Current Force policy requires officers to live within the Avon and Somerset Constabulary borders and ordinarily within a 20-mile radius of their posting. Do not enter into property lease or purchase until posting is confirmed. Postings are determined based on operational demand and priorities. Individual preferences will be noted and considered depending on vacancies. You will ordinarily be expected to remain in your first posting for a minimum of two years, though you may apply for promotion within that period.

Salary and Leave

Officers are paid according to national rates. Salaries are paid on the 28th of each month. Leave already booked will be honoured for this year, but officers must advise in writing when invited to interview. Any Time off in Lieu must be taken prior to joining Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Pension rights are generally transferable between forces.

Timetable

Closing date: 31/12/2025, 23:55

If you are not yet ready to transfer or would like more information, please contact [e-mail]

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset. We recognise the benefit different life experiences and perspectives bring. We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

Find out more about our benefits and culture