EASTERN Division's latest recruit is set to commence police training at just 10 weeks old and those working with him already think he's barking mad.

Diesel, a German shepherd pup, has just joined Eastern Division's Dog Unit based in Accrington and will soon begin his crime-fighting training with new owner PC John Gallagher.

PC Gallagher has worked on the division's Dog Unit in Grange Lane for over nine years and already has another German shepherd called Nick and a springer spaniel drug detection dog named Ben.

His new £500 pup joined the force after he was paid for by an Accrington security firm which helped sponsor the national police dog trials in Lancashire.

There is an ongoing problem in recruiting new dogs because of the cost involved especially if the animal is not up to the job and also in finding them with the right temperament.

PC Gallagher said: "There was bad publicity a couple of years ago which said dogs were cruelly treated, which is not true, as our police dogs are trained by reward.

"But the bad press put people off giving us gift dogs so it is fantastic that Guardhall have sponsored Diesel."

Shaun Raywood, managing director of Guardhall Securities in Cannon Street, said: "I have been involved with police dogs for nearly 25 years now and the company part sponsored the national police dog trials held in Lancashire a couple of years ago.

"I am more than pleased to be able to help in this way. I have trained with police dog handlers in the past and used to supply dogs that have gone on to become police dogs.

"Diesel comes from a good breeder and he is a smashing dog. I know John is a good handler and am sure he will get the best out of the pup."

Diesel, which is his pedigree name and has stuck because of his dark colouring, will begin informal training with PC Gallagher immediately.

He said: "Even from such an early age it is important to spend a lot of time with the puppy, playing games that will build qualities in them that you want to see in the future."

Diesel will begin his full police dog training at Force Headquarters in Hutton when he is around 18 months old and after completing a 10-week course he will be ready to join the division's other dogs on the front line of policing.

Each dog has to be trained in a variety of skills and abilities and some specialise in certain areas, such as drugs and explosives detection.

All the officers and dogs undertake a wide range of duties supporting operational policing including searching for missing or wanted people, searching properties, conducting drugs searches, assisting with maintaining public order and crowd control at football matches.

Eastern Division, which covers Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, currently has seven police officers on the Dog Unit, 12 fully trained dogs and four puppies, including German Shepherds, Spaniels and Rottweillers.

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