A WEST Mercia Police fog is currently undergoing training for one of the most demanding roles in policing.
PD Indy is set to become a Victim Recovery Dog (VRD).
The training will enable her to learn to detect human scent beneath the surface of the water. It is a skill so rare that only a handful of dogs in the UK are qualified to do it.
Once trained, she will be able to assist officers in searching lakes, rivers and other bodies of water for missing people, helping bring answers and closure to families during heartbreaking times.
She will join fellow VRDs PD Lupo, PD Jabba and PD Maggie whose incredible noses can pick up scent from a submerged body – even in deep or fast-moving water.
From the edge of a boat or a river bank, they alert their handler and guide divers to the exact location.
West Mercia Police said: “This is one of the toughest disciplines in the police dog world and Indy’s progress is a huge credit to her dedicated handler and trainers.”
Such will be Indy’s skillset, she will not just serve West Mercia – she will support other forces across the country too.
The force added: “We’re so proud of her and the vital work she’ll be doing.”
