The operation of the AWS is the responsibility of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and is exercised in consultation with the Chief Constable.
*Coming Soon* Animal Welfare Scheme
If you are interested in applying to be an animal welfare scheme visitor, please visit our dedicated scrutiny page for details.
The Animal Welfare Scheme (AWS) is all about ensuring Durham Constabulary’s police dogs are properly cared for and receive the highest standards of welfare while serving on behalf of the force.
The operation of the AWS is the responsibility of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and is exercised in consultation with the Chief Constable. Once a month AWS visitors will make an unannounced visit in pairs to the Durham Constabulary Police Dog Unit. They will check on the conditions in which the dogs are housed, trained and transported. They will also observe dog training in progression and will provide feedback on all visits. Feedback from their visits will be shared with the OPCC Volunteers Manager and the Sergeant of the Dog Unit.
All visits carried out by the AWS volunteers must meet the accepted standards endorsed by the RSPCA, the OPCC and Durham Constabulary.
Further details about this scheme can be found within the Animal Welfare Scheme handbook which can be downloaded below.
Animal Welfare Scheme Handbook