Dog Handler - Police Constable - Transferee Opportunities
Post : Dog Handler - Transferee applications – current & future opportunities.
Rank : Substantive Rank – Police Constable
Department : Specialist Operations – Police Dog Unit
Location : Forcewide
Remuneration : Dependant on Rank
Contract : Permanent & Full-Time 40 hours (shifts)
Job Description : PC - Dog handler.pdf
Closing Date : 09:00 hours Friday 27th February 2026
About the Post
North Yorkshire Police are pleased to announce that we are recruiting for a Dog Handler to join our NYP Dog Unit.
This role provides a support service to operational Police Officers requiring the specialist skills of a police dog and handler at scenes of crime, public order, or specialised searches.
We are also seeking to establish a holding list for future vacancies.
We are accepting applications from transferee officers from Home Office Police forces who are confirmed in rank of constable, and have the skills as listed below. If you meet the criteria and would like to be part of our team, please read on and make an application.
The Culture & Team
As a modern police force with the highest public confidence rating in the country we are looking for outstanding applicants from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and experience, who passionately share our force values and who can thrive in a truly inclusive environment, built on ensuring that every member of our team feel valued and included for who they are and what they bring to our Organisation.
The foundation of North Yorkshire Police is its people. We aim to deliver an outstanding service to all our communities and value the ‘lived experience’ and diverse perspectives individuals bring to our teams. Within Specialist Operations we embed diversity, equity and inclusion in the DNA of our department, we pride ourselves on our team culture, ‘we are greater than the sum of our parts’.
Do you bring something different?
Ready for a new exciting challenge?
We pride ourselves on professionalism, teamwork, and innovation. The Dogs unit works across North Yorkshire’s vast and diverse road network, from rural routes to major highways, targeting offenders and supporting force-wide objectives.
Responsibilities
- Providing a high profile police presence to prevent crime and disorder and to keep, protect, and reassure the community.
- Attending crime scenes to provide assistance in tracking and locating evidence and offenders.
- Training and maintaining a high standard of expertise with the dog to ensure that dog and handler are available to provide the most effective service.
- Overseeing the health and training of the dog to ensure its fitness and availability for deployment.
- Processing prisoners, providing a handover package, and submitting reports containing detailed and accurate facts to assist in the appropriate disposal of the case.
Further Information
If you wish to discuss the role requirements in more detail, for an informal chat, please contact
Inspector 361 Amy Blakeley - Amy.Blakeley@northyorkshire.police.uk
PS 1635 Gareth Gummerson, Head of Profession - Gareth.Gummerson@northyorkshire.police.uk
Key Dates
Meet the team - Open Day: At Solberge Kennels – Monday 16th February 2026
Applications Close: 09:00 hours Friday 27th February 2026
Interviews: Monday 9th March 2026
Initial Dog’s Course / Re Handle / Internal Licensing: 2026 - TBC
- Should the opportunity present, and depending on your respective force, we would be happy to discuss the transfer of your current dog(s) if feasible.
- Holding List: A holding list place will be offered to candidates who pass interview.
Meet the Team!
Familiarisation Event @ Solberge Kennels
When: Monday 16th February
Time : 10:00-13:00 hours
Link to Register : Register here
Covering the following;
- Visit the NYP Dog Unit at our Kennels.
- You will be hosted by SGT Gareth Gummerson and one of the experienced Dog Trainers
- Visit our force kennels, have a tour of the site.
- Meet the team.
- Synopsis and overview of NYP dogs Section.
- Q&A Session.
- Build your understanding of what we do in order support your application.
Your Application
North Yorkshire Police is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please declare this within your online application. A member of our team will contact you prior to your interview to ensure appropriate support is in place. Please contact the Inclusion team if you require support with your application.
Safer Recruitment
North Yorkshire Police is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is a core part of our recruitment process, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All successful candidates will undergo a thorough recruitment process and must obtain satisfactory pre-employment clearances before commencing employment, including satisfactory Vetting or DBS checks, references, and a medical assessment, including absence history. Adherence to our safeguarding policies and procedures is essential.
Recruitment Process & Conditions
- Vetting to RV Level.
- You must have successfully completed your probationary period.
- Successful candidates will be expected to maintain the national standard for a General Purpose Dog Handler and extend their knowledge base to work and train a specialist dog if not already.
- As part of the role, handlers are required to keep their police dog at their home address. Suitable kennel facilities must be in place to ensure the dog’s welfare and operational readiness. Where appropriate facilities do not already exist, these will be provided by NYP.
- All applications will be subject to a paper sift aligned to the CVF framework, Job description and key transferable skills.
- All mandatory training must be up to date.
- The recruitment process will follow a set programme of application, paper sift, Assessment, competency-based interview, conditional offer, Security Vetting (including biometrics), medical checks, reference checks and Job-related Fitness Test.
- Please note that applicants’ disciplinary, complaints records & attendance records will be assessed as part of the vetting process.
- You must have achieved a Satisfactory rating or above in your most recent PDR.
- We only accept transferring officers from a UK Home Office Forces.
- To apply you must be a fully qualified Police Dog handler.
- North Yorkshire Police currently does not offer a relocation allowance/package.
Further Information on transferring to NYP
See our website for more information - Transferring to North Yorkshire Police | North Yorkshire Police
Why Join Us?
Working for the emergency services is both meaningful and impactful. At North Yorkshire Police, we’re committed to helping colleagues reach their full potential in a fair, inclusive, and supportive environment. We value diverse perspectives and actively promote staff wellbeing so everyone can thrive. Please visit our website to learn more about our organisation.
We’re also proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth:
- Local Government Pension Scheme – secure and competitive retirement planning
- Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme – access to affordable vehicle leasing options (NHS Fleet Solution)
- Generous Annual Leave – 24 days rising to 30 with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Blue Light Discount – enjoy savings at major retailers and services
- Access to Trade Union Membership – opportunity to join UNISON
- Inclusion & Diversity Networks – connect with colleagues and contribute to a culture of belonging
- Health & Wellbeing Services – access to resources that support your physical and mental health
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money on bikes and accessories
- Civil Service Sports Club (CSSC) Membership – Access to discounted sports & leisure, activities.
How to Apply
If you have the skills and passion we are looking for, the qualifications and would like to challenge yourself, come and join us! Please submit your application form ASAP.
Opportunities within this unit arise infrequently and always attract significant interest. To strengthen your application, please ensure you allocate sufficient time to complete it thoroughly and submit it within the relevant timescales.
We encourage you to include details of your relevant skills and experience within your application form, demonstrating your suitability for the role.
Applications will be assessed against the key skills listed in the advert and/or Job Description. An assessment and interview process will follow the shortlisting stage.
Good luck!
Closing Date: 09:00 hours Friday 27th February 2026
Please note: strict timelines apply, and alternative dates cannot be offered.