POLICE will be downsizing their dog units across Berkshire.

Following a review, it has been determined that the Joint Operations Dog Unit will be reduced from six sergeants and 53 constables to four handler sergeants and 40 constables.

Since December 2017, the Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary have been working on shift patterns to determine how a new reduced unit would operate.

Dave Hardcastle, ACC Operations for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary said: “We have been actively reviewing our resources within the joint operations unit for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary and believe that we have the opportunity to operate more effectively and efficiently without impacting on the service that we provide to keep our communities safe.

“The Unit’s resources will be deployed to match resources with demand and we will consult the Federation. We will be consulting with the Federation regarding the change in shift patterns.

“No deadline has been set for reaching the reduced numbers in the Dog Unit and reductions will be achieved through natural attrition.”

Dog unit downsizing is just one of many saving programmes on the cards for police, who have seen drastic cuts in funding over recent years. 

The Mounted Police Section is also under threat, it was revealed earlier this year, with the force ‘making no promises’ about its future.

Officers met with Chief Constable Francis Habgood in February to discuss their concerns. Another meeting has been scheduled for October, where officers will be expected to present savings plans and updated data in a bid to convince officials to keep the unit. 

The Chief Constable said: “I have made no promises about the Mounted Section in the future as with the uncertainty about future budgets that would be reckless, but I can assure everybody that I am working with the team to ensure that any decision is made using the best evidence around their contribution to policing in Thames Valley.”