Drug Detection Dogs
Date of request: 18 July 2023
Reference: 882/23
Request
I would like information on the following:
- Total annual spending on drug detection dogs by Avon and Somerset 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.
- Hourly cost per drug detection dog charged under a Special Police Services arrangement.
- Number of drug detection dogs currently in service with Avon and Somerset.
Response
- The total annual spend in 2022/23 on drug detection dogs by Avon and Somerset Police is £64,908. Please note that this figure was calculated using figures from the total spend for all police dogs. This figure has been broken down into the following categories:
| Annual Salary for a PC + Dog Handler Allowance | £63573 |
| Routine Vet Bills | £200 |
| Food | £335 |
| Kennelling Costs | £800 |
| Total | £64908 |
2. This is charged at the normal PC rate of:
£79 per hour
£101 per hour on a bank holiday
3. We currently have 8 drug detection dogs in force.