HC Deb 26 October 1998 vol 318 cc16-7
14. Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle)

What criteria are used to determine the employment of a police officer as a dog handler. [53521]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Kate Hoey)

It is the responsibility of each chief officer of police to determine the criteria for the selection of police dog handlers.

In July 1996, the Home Office issued a manual identifying best practice and offering guidance on the training and care of police dogs. The manual includes a section on the selection criteria for handlers. A copy has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Prentice

How did that Home Office manual help WPC Thomas, who desperately wanted to become a dog handler but could not lift an 80 lb weight above her head, as was required, and could do only nine of the 23 press-ups that were required? Surely such tests are ludicrous: they tell us nothing about a woman's capability to control a dog.

Only this morning, I was speaking to my researcher, Ruth Wilkinson. She has an enormous great dog, and controls it just by looking at it.

Kate Hoey

My hon. Friend is right. The case of WPC Michelle Thomas ensured that the Metropolitan police accepted that the test did not conform to best practice, and it was withdrawn as soon as concern was expressed. We are clear about the fact that there should be no artificial barriers, and that each job should involve standards that are equal for men and women.

Mr. Alan Clark (Kensington and Chelsea)

Would the hon. Lady like to tell the House about her attitude, and her Department's attitude, to the implementation of those guidelines by Essex police? Will she admit that the conduct of Essex police—the brutality with which they conduct their exercises—-has lowered the esteem in which the police are held in general, as well as prompting disgust and a general loss of confidence in the Essex force?

Kate Hoey

The right hon. Gentleman is clearly referring to a case on which the Home Office cannot possibly comment in any detail until the court action is over. Obviously, we would never condone cruelty to dogs, and, once the court case is finished, we will work with the police to make any necessary changes in training standards.