Nottinghamshire Police's dogs put through training to help keep the public safe

Police dogs have been put through their paces at a training exercises.

Pokey, a Belgian shepherd, was one of many police dogs who took part in the training.

PC Rogers, playing the part of an armed criminal (complete with blank firing starting pistol), pulled on a protective bite sleeve and was charged by the dogs.

He said: “It’s all about building up the dogs' confidence in facing any kind of front-on attacker — from a knife attacker to a gunman.

"In this picture I am really encouraging the dog to drive in and onto the bite sleeve so he feels comfortable doing this time and again.

"It’s really about reassurance for the dog in training so he can do a good job in the real word.

“Clearly these are big dogs so it can be a bit daunting having them come at you like this.

"That’s why in this picture I am really trying to absorb the blow as much as possible and take the momentum of the dog with me — a bit like catching a cricket ball in a way.”

Pokey is one of 14 general purpose police dogs working with their police handlers to keep the public safe.