Central Scotland Police

Veteran Dog Handler Says Farewell as New Recruits Join

One of the country's longest serving dog handlers is hanging up his lead - but not before he welcomed a litter of the force's newest canine recruits.

Sergeant Cameron Shanks has served as a police officer for 30 years - 22 of those as a dog handler.

He has gone on to become one of the UK's most experienced dog handlers, a position that has seen him judge many competitions as well as take on the role of Home Office instructor.

During his time with Central Scotland Police's Dog Section, he has worked with four German Shepherd and two Labradors. His current partner, German Shepherd Bud, will retire from police service with him. He continues to look after his former partners Wallace and Sol.

The latest pups - Diesel, Axel and Roxy are pictured with Sgt Shanks - were born to brood bitch Steffi, who is also looked after by the retiring officer. The litter of seven pups in total were born in July. The Force will keep two of the pups as operational dogs whilst a third will be retained in the breeding programme, which Sgt Shanks has overseen for the past seven years in his role as Sergeant.

Sgt Shanks said: "During my time in the police there have been many ups and downs. Working within the Dog Section, with fellow handlers and our dogs, has been extremely rewarding. The dogs I have worked with have helped trace numerous missing persons, many who may have died had it not been for the dogs finding them. Sniffer dogs I have worked with have recovered thousands of pounds worth of drugs over the years."

Sgt Shanks and his dogs have also been regular visitors at schools throughout the force area and have taken part in a significant number of public displays during his career.