TWO Essex Police dogs beat stiff canine competition to be crowned the county's top hound enforcers.
German shepherd dogs Fidget and Kruga won the tracking trophy and obedience trophy respectively, accompanied by PCs Paul Nicholls and Andy Gaw at the Essex Police Dog Unit in Sandon on Thursday last week.
The quartet will now represent the constabulary at the regional police dog trials in Suffolk in March.
Every year, Essex Police dogs and their handlers compete for trophies in obedience, tracking, searching and bite work at the dog unit.
PCs Nicholls and Fidget were named overall winners, with PC Gaw and Kruga taking second.
Dog Unit Inspector Brad Dickel said: "The importance of the force dog trials cannot be underestimated.
"They are an excellent way of ensuring only the highest of standards across the board as officer's search for excellence.
"Handlers forge an excellent working relationship with their dogs and it is only right that both get the chance to sell the hard work and effort placed into everyday operations and patrol.
"The dog section continues to provide proactive support to local policing 365 days a year and will continue to support front line bobbies in making Essex a safe place to live.
"Big congratulations go to everyone who took part and the best of luck to Fidget and Kruga at the regionals."
