Dog handler cleared over bite incident

The dog bit Dawn Priestley, 39, of Wincobank, Sheffield, on her right arm as police pursued a suspect in August last year.

An investigation by South Yorkshire Police professional standards department has concluded the dog-handler was blameless.

Police went to the Wincobank area following reports of a disturbance on Fife Street. During a police chase on neighbouring streets the woman – who was not part of the disturbance – was bitten.

A spokesman said: “The terms of this investigation were to ascertain whether the dog handler was diligent in the exercise of his duties and responsibilities when deploying the police dog, to identify any misconduct issues or matters of criminal liability, and to consider any subsequent disciplinary action. The Force’s report concluded...the dog handler’s decision to deploy the dog was correct, proportionate, lawful and in line with ACPO guidelines, and his training.

“The Independent Police Complaints Commission has reviewed the Force’s concluding report and confirmed that its terms of reference have been met. The authorising officer within South Yorkshire Police has now made a final assessment of the report and agreed that there has been no breach of conduct and that no further action is taken against the officer involved.”