Scotland

RPD Nova

Served – 14/8/17-20/8/24

Nova was based in Glasgow. She had many successes over her 7yrs, notably saving a mans life in 2022.

She competed in the Scottish Police Dog Trials & the National Trials.

Thanks for your service #RPDNova

RPD Heidi

Served Novembewr2014 – June 2021

Handler – PC Mitchell

Heidi enjoyed her retirement with her handler until she sadly passed away.

Family, friend and partner.

RPD Rudi

Served 2015 – 2023

Handler – PC McIntyre

PD Rudi served in the West Command area.  During his service he located 163  wanted persons, 32 missing people, 21 weapons and over £10K worth of stolen property.

He received two Divisional Commanders Recognition Awards for saving the lives of 2 missing people.

Due to Rudi’s efforts on the street he won his handler Cops Cop Of The Year Award.

Rudi has retired to his handler and looks forward to cuddle on the couch.

RPD Brix

PD Brix served with PC Stephen Versey 1988-1990

Brix was already a Police Dog but his handler had moved departments so he was rehandled to Stephen. He served Strathclyde well with many captures. Stephen moved on from the Dog Branch in 1990 and Brix retired to him. He became a family pet and enjoyed his retirement until the age of 12.

Stephen said about his career in the Dog Branch “Like all dog handlers past, present and future we all love our dogs and to be able to allow these magnificent animals to work in an environment they were meant to, is an honour and a privilege”

RPD Sabre

PD Sabre served with PC Stephen Versey 1988-1989

Sabre was due to be put to sleep when Stephen stepped in and took him. Sabre was a challenge but with firm handling and love his true worth became apparent. He also became a great family dog. Unfortunately Sabre was diagnosed with epilepsy and his seizures became so bad he had to be put to sleep.

RPD Prince

Handler PC Versey

Prince joined Strathclyde Police at 18 months old in 1981. He was donated to the Police by a family in the Springburn area of Glasgow. He served well over his 8 years with numerous captures and property recoveries. He retired to live with Stephen, his handler.

RPD Callie

20/04/2009 – 16/02/2022

Served 2010 – 2014

Handler PC Cunningham

Callie’s handler wrote the following.

“Callie served with Strathclyde Police/Police Scotland, she worked on many major events including the Commonwealth Games and VIP visits as well as assisting other forces throughout the country.

Callie had to take early retirement and had a fantastic life with the late RPD’s Rico, Holly and Ember.  Callie later lived with my parents and their dog Berry.

Callie is greatly missed by us all.”

RPD Sam

04/07/06 – 25/10/2021

Served- 2007 -2012

Handler – PC Findlay

Sam’s handler wrote the following.

“Sam was donated to Police Scotland by member of the public, he qualified as a drugs/cash/firearms detection dog with Strathclyde Police in September 2007.

Sam had a very successful career with many finds. His most notable find was £6 million worth of high purity class A drugs (cocaine) which had been smuggled into the country hidden inside fire extinguishers.

Sam retired from service due to health issues in 2012 and enjoyed a long happy retirement with his handler and her other retired police dogs.

Sam is greatly missed by us all.”

RPD Nipper

2011 – 10/07/2021

Served 02/03/2013 –  03/05/2021

Handler PC Galloway

PD Nipper served with Tayside Police and Police Scotland

Nipper was a police pup with Tayside since Oct 2011.  He began his training with his handler and he was the first Police Dog to licence within the newly formed Police Scotland.

Nipper was a fantastic dog, he was a larger than life character who loved to work. A strong, powerful and loyal dog who would have your back in any situation.

Nipper sadly passed away shortly after his retirement. He will be missed by his handler, family and all who knew him.

RPD Rico

05/04/2008 – 10/05/2021

Served 03/07/09 – 22/11/13

Handler PC Cunningham.

Rico served with Strathclyde Police and Police Scotland, he was an exceptional PD and a had a great career.

Rico retired to his handler and lived a lovely and relaxing retirement until his passing at the grand old age of 13 on the 10th May 2021.

Rico will be greatly missed by his handler and all who knew him.

BB Inca

Inca was owned by serving Strathclyde Police Handler PC Bell and then later she was signed over to Strathclyde Police.

She was a brood bitch and had 3 litters for the police. 1st litter 4 out 7 pups became PDs. 2nd litter known as “C” litter 6 out of 8 became PDs and the 3rd litter known as “E” litter 4 out of 7 became PDs.

Once retired she went back to live with PC Bell and had a happy retirement until her passing at age 13.

PD Aro

Served 1998-2004

Handler PC Bell

Aro was a rescue dog from Cardonald Cat and Dog Home.

He competed at the National Dog Trials in Nottingham and placed 8th in the UK.

He retired to live with his handler until his passing.

RPD Nica

Handler PC Bell

Nica was born to BB Inca, her kennel name was Tiger Jazz of Clydepol.

Nica was a general purpose and firearms support dog.

She competed at the National Dog Trials on 3 occasions.

She was also mum to 8 pups and 5 of them became police dogs known as the “F” litter.

She retired to handler and lived a happy life until her passing

RPD Izzy

18/09/2005 – 12/12/2020

Served

Handler PC Bell then re-handled to PC Cameron

Izzy’s handler wrote the following.

“Izzy was a working cocker that came to Strathclyde police in 2005, she served as a firearms detection dog with PC Bell,  she then moved onto me in 2008 and was triple trained to have drugs, firearms and cash as her specialisms. During her service she had two litters of puppies with most of them becoming police dogs and following in her paws.

She retired from Police Scotland when she was 11 after fighting off cancer, she continue to love her retirement and loved her walks in the countryside. Izzy was a lovely dog inside and out always happy to see people and so dedicated to her work. She was a pleasure to work with and to be her handler.

Sadly over the past year she slowed down and her years of hard work caught up with her. On 12th December 2020 she sadly passed away in my arms, she will be dearly missed, she was my princess”.

RPD Ziggy

2007 – 23/11/2020

Served 2009 – 2020

Handler PC Bell

Ziggy’s handler wrote the following.

“Ziggy joined the police when he was 2yrs old.  He epitomised everything a police dog should be, bold, courageous and had a passion for work. His work ethic was incredible.

In 2020 he retired to live with me and my family.  He had a happy retirement, enjoying relaxing and being a model for the Scottish K9 Memorial statue.  Very sadly he passed away at the grand old age of 13.

Run free big lad, you will always be in our hearts and you are greatly missed by us all”.

RPD Chance

24/04/2009 – 10/02/2021

Served 2009-2020

Handler PC Bell

PD Chance was born into the Police world after being bred by Strathclyde Police (Clydepol Chance).

Chance worked as a triple purpose Police Dog sniffing out drugs, cash and firearms, at which he excelled.

Chance retired in August 2020 to his handler and family and enjoyed keeping the younger PDs firmly in their place and relaxing with the younger members of the family. Chance sadly passed away on 10th February 2021 with his handler by his side, he is greatly missed.

RPD Mirren

06/05/2008 – 23/06/2020

Served – 2009 to 2019

Handler PC Morris

Mirren was an Explosive Detection Police Dog,  she worked in numerous places, the Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games to name a couple.  Mirren also provided mutual aid to PSNI at the Police and Fire World Games.

Mirren was an exceptional dog and served well.

Mirren retired to her handler in 2019 and lived a happy retirement until her sad passing in 2020, she is greatly missed by all who knew her.

RPD Randolphfield La Yana

13/04/2007 – 13/09/2020

Handler PC McBride

Randolphfield La Yana who was know as Yana was bred and licensed at Central Scotland Police based in Larbert.

Yana retired in late 2014 to live with her handler, PDs Luna & Spud and TPD Saul.

Yana’s handler wrote the following.

“During Yana’s service she had a number of notable apprehensions.

Yana was strong and wise taking everything in her stride.

Over the past few weeks her health started to decline. At thirteen and a half years old she was marvellous.

She will be sorely missed by myself, my family and all who knew her.

Sleep tight my lady”.

RPD Odin

20/08/2009 – 14/09/2020

Served  2011 – 2018

Handler PC  Brown

Odin started his Police career in 2011, with Central Scotland Police and later with Police Scotland.

In 2014 and 2016 Odin and his handler won the Police Scotland dog trials and they represented Scotland at the national trials on three occasions.

Odin retired in 2018 to live with his handler and family.

He will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered.

Rest easy Odin

RPD Hunter & RPD Gus

Served 27/07/2009 – 02/03/2014

Handler PC Stewart

RPD Hunter (GSD) was a General Purpose  and Fire Arms Support PD.

RPD Gus (spaniel) was a cash, firearms and drugs detection PD.

Both Hunter and Gus were incredible police dogs until they retired to their handler in 2014. They are both now enjoying a more leisurely way of life.

RPD Barti

13/12/2010 – 12/07/2020

Served  27/02/2012 – 10/2013

Handler

Barti retired from duty in June 2020.  He then moved to Cornwall where he enjoyed his retirement which he partly shared with RPD Erna known as ‘Bo’ of Gloucestershire Pol who passed away 14/04/20.

RPD Kyle

Handler PC Reid

On Monday 11th January 1993 Kyle and his handler were involved in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle.  When the vehicle came to s sudden halt the male occupant fought his way from the vehicle, lashing out with two large knives at several officers in an attempt to escape.

After warnings were called to give himself up Kyle was released and detained the male by the right arm.  The male reacted by stabbing Kyle in the chest causing him to loose his grip.

PD Reid attempted an arrest but lost his footing on snow and ice and fell to the ground.  The male then attacked him, trying to slash and stab him.  Despite his injury Kyle leapt forward and seized hold of the male by the leg, diverting his attention away from PC Reid.  However, the male was able to knock a weakened Kyle aside and run off.  Sufficient officers were now in attendance to apprehend and disarm the male.

Kyle was rushed to a vets where he was treated for a three inch stab wound to his chest and associated blood loss.  The outstanding courage of Kyle, whilst suffering pain and a serious injury, in protecting a defenceless PC Reid undoubtedly saved him from serious injury.

Kyle made a remarkably quick recovery and returned to full operation duties with PC Reid.

Kyle became the first Police Dog in the United Kingdom to receive the SSPCA Bravery Award.

RPD Callan

Passed Away 2012

Served

Handler PC Harper

Callan served with Strathclyde Police, unfortunately he had to take early retirement due to hip problems.

Callan retired to a lovely family where he enjoyed the rest of his retirement until he sadly passed away in 2012.  He is greatly missed by his family.

RPD Sam

Served 2010 – 2019

RPD Sam, an English Springer Spaniel served with Police Scotland, Border Policing Command.

During his service he worked as an Explosive Detection Dog and worked all over the UK.  He helped with Royal visits and in 2012 he worked at the London Olympics at Horse Guards Parade.

Sam retired to his handler and is enjoying life as a beloved pet.

RPD Buster

Served 2005 – 2014

RPD Buster served with Police Scotland, Border Policing Command,

Buster was a drugs and cash detection dog and was involved in numerous high value recoveries.

Buster retired to his handler and although he is now deaf he is enjoying his life as a beloved pet and is the grand age of 16.

RPD Blane

Handler PC Findlay

Blane was a General Purpose Police Dog bred by Strathclyde Police in May 2002.

During her career she attended many calls and was an exceptional police dog.

Blane retired in 2011 and lived out her life with her handler.  Sadly Blane passed away suddenly in 2013.

PC Findlay said “A fantastic trustworthy partner, who is still missed to this day”

RPD Sam

Served August 2007 – May 2012

Handler PC Findlay

Sam was a donated dog who went on to serve as a Drugs/Cash/Weapons Recovery Dog with Strathclyde Police.  Unfortunately in 2012 due to ill health Sam had to take early retirement.

Sam had many good finds throughout his service, but his claim to fame is that he located £6 million pounds worth of drugs hidden inside 2 fire extinguishers within the the rear of a vehicle.

Sam is now 13 and is enjoying life to the full with his handler.

RPD DIESEL

Served 2013 – 2017

Handler PC Findlay

Diesel was donated to Police Scotland by a member of the public.  He served as a Victim Recovery Dog until sadly he had to retire early in 2017 due to injury.

Diesel attended numerous calls throughout the whole of Scotland during his working time.

Diesel is now 8 years old and enjoying life to the full with his handler.

RPD Thorin

Handler PC Farndell

RPD Thorin was an Explosive Detection Dog with Police Scotland.

In 2018 his handler moved to be an officer on the Isle Of Barra, at which time Thorin retired.

Thorin is enjoying his retirement on the beach.

RPD Sowen

Served August 2007 – August 2011

Handler PC Farndell

RPD Sowen was a General Purpose dog with Strathclyde Police.

He retired to his handler and enjoyed his retirement until sadly he passed away in 2015.

BB Teva

Teva wanted to be a PD but didn’t make it as a drugs dog as she was too friendly.

Teva went on to serve with Strathclyde Police ( now Police Scotland ) as their brood bitch and had 4 dogs, all were serving police dogs under ‘B’ Batch.

Teva went to the rainbow bridge on the 8th December 2017 at the good age of 11.

Her owner said “Best wee dog ever”

RPD Dixie

27/3/2004 – 27/3/2019

Dixie served with Fife Police/Police Scotland from 2011 to 2013

Handler PC Law

Dixie was trained as a PD as an older dog as I needed a dog in a hurry. She easily made the grade and worked in Fife.  Being all black she was great on a night shift for creeping up on people.

She was an excellent working dog but knew how to switch off at the end of her shift.  She loved nothing more than cuddling up on the couch when she thought no one was watching.

RPD Yodi

Handler PC Meikle

PD Yodi qualified December 2004 in Lothian and Borders Police and worked with  on the street for 8 years retiring December 2012.

He thereafter lived at home with his handler, Sweep and Cali. He died in December 2015. He was an amazing police dog, saving lives, finding criminals, recovering evidence, detaining fleeing criminals and violent offenders on many occasions.

RPD Sweep

Handler PC Meikle

Police dog Sweep,  won the order of merit medal for his outstanding services to the Police. He was trained in drugs, cash and firearms and was the only Poison detection dog in Britain.

He was trained in finding carbofuren which was used to poison birds of prey.

His handler got him as a puppy and he was operational from April 2007 to October 2015 when he retired at 10 years old. He died in September 2017 he had to be put to sleep as he had cancer.

RPD Slaine

Born 29/04/11

Service – April 2012 – January 2019

Handler PC Farndell

Slaine became a trainee pup with Strathclyde Police at 3 months old and lived with his handler.  He licenced with Police Scotland.

He was a formidable character, not to be messed with who loved his job.

He is enjoying his retirement on Isle of Barra with his handler.

RPD Barley

Handler Sgt Moffat

PD Barley served with Strathclyde Police and Police Scotland for 9 1/2 years as a Specialist Drugs Dog.  She was one of the last pups to be bred by Strathclyde Police.

Barley retired to her handler.

RPD Cargo

Service March 2014 – February 2017

Handler PC McNab

Cargo was a natural hunter and did well in his role as a PD,  bagging many criminals and property finds.

Cargo found numerous missing persons and on one occasion saved a lady’s life who he located unconscious in wasteland.

RPD Ghillie

16.01.09 – 04.06.18

Handler – PS Westmorland

Service 18/11/10 to 29/02/16

Ghillie suddenly and unexpectedly developed an abcess in his prostrate and he sadly passed shortly after surgery.

As a Victim Recovery Dog he was involved in many searches for missing persons throughout Scotland. Notably he was part of a mutual aid team to Dwfed-Powys Police that assisted in the search for young April Jones in Wales. He then became a TV star and can be seen on a BBC Crimewatch programme replicating the work of the VR dogs and how they assisted the investigation into the murder of Suzanne Pilley in Edinburgh.

At home his favourite toy was still his ball and he enjoyed long walks on the beach and play with his fur siblings Brodie and RPD Jura. He had the waggiest tail and enjoyed taking himself for a walk carrying his lead.

PD Hooch

Served with Strathclyde Police from 2004 until his retiral in 2010.

A true police dog who gave no quarter! Sadly put to sleep in 2012 due to poor health. A legend in Ayrshire!

RPD Pippa

A drugs, cash and firearms detection dog for Strathclyde Police. Retired in 2013 and was sadly put to sleep in early 2018!

RPD Cash

Strathclyde Police