Specialist units

Dog Unit

Greater Manchester Police's Dog Training Unit is renowned for the high standard of training that it provides to police dogs.

There are a number of courses available, these include initial, refresher and continuation. The initial training course runs for a period of 13 weeks and includes obedience and searching techniques.

Every police dog is assigned its own handler who will accompany them throughout their service. GMP has over 110 dogs, who are involved in important operational duties such as tracking, building searches and other criminal work across Greater Manchester.

The majority of general purpose police dogs are German Shepherds but other breeds are considered including Rottweilers, Belgium Shepherds and Giant Schnauzers. They can work for up to seven years with the Force and them most go on to spend a happy retirement with their handler.

For more information please access our Training pages.