Meet Diesel, Bart, Blue, Marshall and Louis... South Yorkshire Police's newest four-legged recruits in the battle against crime

The dogs and their handlers have undergone an intense 12 week training course at the force's dog training facility in Sheffield.

The dogs will be used for general purpose, meaning they will be trained in the searching and tracking of suspects and missing people, apprehending offenders and finding property.

PD Diesel, a 14-month-old Dutch Herder has been paired with PC Adam Fay. PC Fay has been an officer with the force for 14 years, working as part of the Sheffield Response Team and within the Warrants and Firearms Licencing Team.

PC Fay said: "When I started as a police officer there was a dog handler assigned to every shift and I was in awe of the support they gave to officers.

"I love dogs and always wanted one but the time hasn’t been right – until now! Me and Diesel have been getting along nicely and I am hoping he will be great backup on the streets in difficult situations."

PD Bart is a 16-month-old Dutch Herder. His handler in PC Josh Ingam, who joined the South Yorkshire force four years ago, starting off in the control room at Atlas Court, before training as a police officer, where he has most recently worked on Barnsley’s Response Team.

“Although I have only been paired with Bart for a short time we are getting along well, he is showing great potential and is very energetic in his work.”

Two-year-old Malinois Blue has teamed up with PC Ash Green, who joined South Yorkshire Police in 2013 as a PCSO. He has progressed to become a police officer and worked as a response officer in Rotherham.

PC Green said: "I can’t believe I am getting paid to do this, I didn’t always want to be a police officer but since joining I have had an interest in the dog unit and I am loving being part of it.

“I love dogs and have family dogs at home, I am hoping that PD Blue will get along with them and become part of our family life.”

PD Marhsall is an 18-month-old Malinois, who joined the force as a puppy. His handler is PC Dan Fox, who joined South Yorkshire Police as a PCSO in 2006, before becoming a police officer in 2013. He has worked on response, neighbourhood and tasking teams, as well as in the Violent Crime Task Force.

“I am looking forward to getting licenced, heading out with PD Marshall across South Yorkshire and supporting my colleagues from all teams.

“PD Marshall is a lovely friendly dog, he loves to play, which we are using to train him and he’s got a hunger to learn.”

Last, but not least is PD Louis, a three-year-old Belgium Malinois who is partnered with PC Dan Fox. PC Fox joined the force 12 years ago, working on the Sheffield Response Team, before more recently working as part of the Violent Crime Task Force.

He said: “I wanted to become a dog handler as dogs bring additional skills that you as an officer don’t have, no matter what equipment or training you undertake.

“Me and PD Louis have been bonding well and I am looking forward to catching criminals and for Louis to settle into our home life where he will become part of our family.”