Devon police dog teams lead the pack at regional trials competition

The Devon & Cornwall Police dog section is leading the pack after an impressive first, second and third place at the Regional Police Dog Trials 2026.

The three-day event at Cleveland hosted by Avon & Somerset Police saw strong competition from officers and their canine sidekicks from across Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Avon & Somerset and South Wales forces.

They were tested across a series of demanding scenarios designed to mirror real operational policing.

It was a commanding performance from Devon-based teams, with PC John Warren and PD Albert from Plymouth taking first place with 835 points. They also won the overall winner’s trophy, obedience trophy, criminal work trophy, phase 3 overall trophy and top new team at regional trials.

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South Molton PC Noah Tilley and PD Gus secured second with 807 points, also taking home the tracking trophy and phase 1 overall trophy. 

Above: South Molton based PC Noah Tilley and PD Gus are through to the national trials after taking second place in the regional event. Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police

PC Luke Barnard and PD Sid from Ashburton finished third with 804 points, also receiving recognition for the strongest bite during the criminal work phase.

All three have qualified for the National Police Dog Trials, which required a minimum 700 points and these will take place in West Yorkshire from May 14 to 16.

Above: PC John Warren and PD Albert from Plymouth won the regional trials, taking first place as well as the overall cup and other trophies. Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police

Below: PC Luke Barnard and PD Sid from Ashburton took third place at the regional trials and also qualify for the nationals. Credit: Devon & Cornwall Police

Across three challenging phases, handlers and their dogs demonstrated the standards required of licensed police dogs, including tracking and property searches, building and open-land searches for suspects, emergency recalls and controlled ‘criminal work’ scenarios such as pursuits, stand-offs and simulated attacks.

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Sergeant Victoria Ritchie from Devon & Cornwall Police Dog Section 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.

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