Police Dog Training Instructor
Role: Police Dog Training Instructor
Department: Operational Support Unit
Rank: Constable
Hours: 40
Location: Niagara
We are seeking applications for the role of Police Dog Training Instructor, the role will be based at the Police Dog Training School in Sheffield.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the initial, refresher and continuation training and annual licencing of general-purpose dogs and specialist / search dogs in SYP.
- Lead by example and behave in line with the Police Code of Ethics, ensuring force values and behaviours are understood and maintained by staff, officers and managers in their decision making and actions.
- Prepare and run mandatory training courses for new and existing dog handlers.
- Develop and train young dogs daily that are housed within the Dog Training School.
- Deliver training to police dog handlers, providing feedback and assessment where appropriate. To organise and prepare for appropriate courses, as well as maintaining training records (use of Chronicle).
- Assess the suitability and working potential of dogs for acquisition as Police Dogs, providing appropriate reports and recommendations.
- Undertake a fostering role (this may require a dog being taken to the role holder’s home) for the welfare and development of potential Police Dogs.
- Work with handlers and colleagues in the design of relevant training material, to identify and meet learning needs. This will include initial assessments, identifying further training needs, supporting development plans where necessary and ensuring continual professional development. This may include working at different times of the day/evening to reflect the working environment.
- Safely transport training aids – blood/animal parts/explosives/drugs/weapons and ammunition/Currency/Inflammable liquids.
- Liaise with police and support staff at all levels and demonstrate effective communication at all levels of the organisation
- Liaise with external agencies, including dog providers, vets, food and kennel suppliers and other forces.
- Demonstrate continuous professional development within the role and understand current operational needs. This will be achieved through shadowing and occupational environmental scanning to reflect good practice.
- Liaise and negotiate the use of suitable venues for Police Dog Training.
Skills and experience:
- Be an experienced Police Dog Handler.
- Proficient in the use of technology to maintain training records and prepare and present training material.
- Hold an NPCC GPD Instructor qualification.
- Hold a full UK driving licence and advanced police driving qualifications.
To be eligible to transfer you must:
- Be a current serving police officer in a Home Office force.
- Have no outstanding misconduct or integrity issues.
- Have resided in the UK for three years immediately prior to submitting your application.
- Must have successfully completed your probationary period with your Force prior and be substantive in post.
Application Process
To apply, please complete the online application form. Once submitted, please also email a copy of your full training record, your two most recent PDRs, photographs of any additional tattoos and a completed copy of the attached training checklist. Please email these documents to policerecruit@southyorks.pnn.police.uk Please click here for the Training Checklist
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to a competency-based interview, based on the Competency & Values Framework for Policing (CVF).
Successful applicants will be guided through the transferee process and will be required to undergo the following checks:
- Vetting
- Medical Assessment
- Biometrics
- References
- Sickness Criteria
- Misconduct
- Tattoos
Contact:
For further information about the role, please contact: DS Dan Lumley on 0114 220299
South Yorkshire is a culturally diverse area and to ensure that our service is fully representative of the communities we serve we welcome applications from all under-represented groups and individuals wishing to work part time.
If you are from an underrepresented group and want to find out more about the support we can offer, please contact our dedicated team on positiveaction@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
South Yorkshire Police will consider allocation for relocation/removal expenses to transferring officers who live outside the force area and at least 50 miles from their permanent place of work. Please enquire with the Talent Acquisition Team for more information.
Please see our website for FAQ’s & Guidance Notes
Closing date for applications: 31st August 2025