Drug detection dogs 692/2023

FOI Reference: 692/23

Request:

1) Total annual spending on drug detection dogs by Dyfed-Powys police. If possible, please provide a breakdown of all annual costs including salary of the dog handlers, ongoing training for handler and dog, housing, veterinary bills, food, cost of equipment, etc.

2) Hourly cost per drug detection dog charged under a Special Police Services arrangement.

3) Number of drug detection dogs currently in service in Dyfed-Powys Police.

Response:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, the details of which are as follows:

1) Whilst it is difficult to specify an exact cost per year for each dog, as there are a number of variables, the below provides an indicative cost.

Handler salary: Between £31,143 - £43,032.

Veterinary costs: £220.37

Food: £443.88

Equipment: £200.00

Housing: £0

Training: £0

Total cost: £37,951.75

Please note: The above figures are derived as follows,

Hander salary: An average of the range of salaries quoted.

Veterinary costs: An average of a typical yearly spend across the dogs employed by the force. This may vary, e.g. if the dogs pick up any injuries, etc.

Food: An average of a typical yearly spend across all of the dogs employed by the force, which equates to 1 x bag per month.

Equipment: An average of a typical yearly spend across all of the dogs employed by the force. This may vary dependant on the dog’s needs or wear & tear, etc.

Training: All drugs dog training is done in force as we have instructors who can deliver this training. No cost.

Housing: All dog handlers are provided with kennels at their home address when they start. No annual cost.

In terms of outlay, there is no difference between the cost for a General Purpose (GP) dog than there is for a Drugs Detection (DD) dog.

2) We have never had a request for Drug Detection dogs for Mutual Aid as all Forces have their own.

3) We have 6 drugs dogs currently in service.     

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 08/04/24)