MEET Connie and Mesrlin – Cleveland Police’s two new “digi dogs” who will use their fantastic sense of smell to track down digital devices.
The lovable pair have joined handlers PC Whitehouse and PC Lindley to bring additional capability to the Matrix Dog Unit, amongst other specialisms.
This capability can be an important asset in searches and can help provide invaluable evidence in many investigations.
Both dogs were adopted from Dogs Trust Darlington in Sadberge.
Matrix Chief Inspector Zoe Kelsey, said: “We are delighted to welcome PD Connie and PD Merlin to the dog unit, with thanks to the Dogs Trust. Having digital dogs within the team brings new capabilities to add to the other existing specialist dogs that we have available. PC Lindley and PC Whitehouse have worked hard to take the dogs through the training and to eventually ensure that they are licensed. I’d like to congratulate them both on this fantastic achievement.”
She added: “This new capability adds another invaluable asset to the dog unit in order to help protect our communities and bring offenders to justice.”
Louise Crawford, Animal Welfare Scheme Coordinator at Dogs Trust, said: “At Dogs Trust, we are passionate about matching suitable dogs with specialist working homes where they can thrive. Connie and Merlin are wonderful examples of how rescue dogs, given the right opportunity, can excel in highly skilled roles while enjoying fulfilling lives with their handlers. Their success is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in identifying, training, and supporting these exceptional partnerships.”
She added: “ Equally important is ensuring their welfare throughout their working lives. Which is why we work with police forces to establish independent animal welfare schemes that provide ongoing oversight and help ensure our dogs continue to receive the highest standards of care, both during their service and into retirement.”
