Khan is regional champion police dog
Essex PoliceA police force is celebrating after its canine team triumphed at the Eastern Region Police Dog Trials.
The competition brought together pooches and their handlers from police forces in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
Essex Police came first in the three-day event, securing two places at the National Police Dog Trials in May.
PD Khan was named regional champion and will be joined at the national event by PD Kylo and their handlers - also based in Essex.
The regional trials were held at three locations in Essex between Wednesday and Friday.
Essex Police said the trials tested teams against challenging scenarios - including tracking, person searches, obedience and the use of force - and mirrored real operational situations that its officers faced.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper paid tribute to the "professionalism, resilience and commitment" of its dog teams.
"Their contribution to keeping our communities safe is invaluable and deeply appreciated," he said.
The regional final was held at Essex Police's headquarters in Chelmsford, observed by the lord lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, and Julie Fosh, who is high sheriff of Essex.
The National Police Dog Trials will be hosted by West Yorkshire Police in May.
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