Police dog graduation

Four patrol dog teams graduated from the Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham today (11 July). The teams represented a vast range of experience, one handler graduating with his first dog and in Senior Constable Pete Hanlin’s case, his tenth.

Senior Constable, Pete Hanlin and police dog Zero with Deputy Commissioner Viv Rickard.

Senior Constable Hanlin graduated with Zero, and in doing so marked 27 years pounding the beat on dog section, making him the longest serving patrol dog handler in the country.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner Viv Rickard who spoke of the professionalism and devotion to duty of dogs and handlers throughout the country. He also acknowledged the family support which enables teams like these to work on the frontline, at all hours, to keep our communities safe.

Patrol dog work is one of the most physically demanding roles in Police but Senior Constable Hanlin says there is plenty more gas in the tank and he is looking forward to getting back to work in Dunedin.

Deputy Commissioner Rickard and Police Dog Zero

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