Plymouth and Dartmoor police dogs make major impact at regional trials

Three police dog teams from Devon and Plymouth have taken the top honours at a major regional competition, placing first, second and third against forces from across southern Britain.

The Devon & Cornwall Police dog section dominated the Regional Police Dog Trials 2026, held over three days in Cleveland from 26-28 February, hosted by Avon & Somerset Police.

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Highly trained dog teams from Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Avon & Somerset and South Wales Police were tested in scenarios designed to mirror real operational policing, including suspect searches across buildings and open land, tracking exercises, emergency recalls and simulated confrontations.

Sergeant Victoria Ritchie, of Devon & Cornwall Police’s dog section, praised the teams’ performance.

She said: “I am incredibly proud of all the handlers and their dogs. The dedication, commitment and professionalism they demonstrate day in, day out is reflected in these results.

“Competing at regional level can be challenging, working under pressure, in front of judges and peers, in scenarios that don’t always go exactly to plan. 

“Each of our handlers showed resilience, skill and an excellent partnership with their dogs throughout the three days.”

Three teams represented the force, each with strong links to Devon communities.

PC John Warren and police dog Albert, based in Plymouth, took first place with 835 points. The pair also collected several individual awards, including overall winners, obedience, criminal work and top new team.

Second place went to PC Noah Tilley and police dog Gus from South Molton, who scored 807 points and won the tracking trophy.

PC Luke Barnard and police dog Sid, based in Ashburton on the edge of Dartmoor, secured third place with 804 points and were recognised for the strongest bite during the criminal work phase.

ABOVE: PC Luke Barnard and PD Sid - Ashburton (Image: D&C Police)

Across the three phases of the competition, teams could score a maximum of 1,000 points, with 700 required to qualify for the National Police Dog Trials.

“All three teams delivered outstanding performances across the trials, securing first, second and third place,” Sgt Ritchie said. 

“This is a remarkable achievement and a real testament to the high standards our dog section maintains, both on the trials field and in live operational policing.”

The narrow margins between the scores highlighted the high level of competition, with all three Devon & Cornwall teams qualifying for the National Police Dog Trials in West Yorkshire from 14-16 May.

Police said it was the first time each of the teams had competed at regional level, and they will now go on to represent the force nationally.

Devon & Cornwall Police congratulated the handlers and their dogs on what it described as an outstanding achievement.