2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron were recently visited by PC Terry Arnett from the West Midlands Police Dogs Section. He was assisted by 2 canine colleagues, Sam a black Labrador and Leo a young Springer Spaniel who was still under training. Both are trained in sniffing for illegal drugs and substances.

PC Arnett started the night by giving a presentation in the role of Police Dogs and the various different things that the dogs can be taught to sniff for. He then went into more depth about the role his two dogs play in the search for drugs. Different types of illegal drugs and their effects were explained to the Cadets and the potential consequences of taking these drugs were spelt out to the Cadets. The Cadets were also shown a display of a mock up various different types of illegal substances, to give the Cadets an awareness to avoid them in the streets.

Then the Police Dogs were demonstrated to the Cadets. 3 cadets were given a special marker cloth to rub over their hands, which simulated an illegal substance. The cadets were then split into three groups and Sam was taken around them to pick out the person with the scent of drugs. Within very little time Sam had picked out the 'suspects'. For Leo this was the first time he had been confronted by a large crowd in a working situation, so the Cadets have aided in the training and development of this dog into becoming an effective sniffer dog. However Leo passed with flying colours picking out all of the suspects. The dogs were rewarded with a play with a tennis ball, which is used as an incentive for the dogs.

Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams, Officer Commanding 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron said: ' This was an excellent opportunity for the Cadets to gain an understanding of the role and capabilities of Police Sniffer Dogs as well as receiving advice and guidance on the mis-use of drugs and the consequences of using drugs. The Police Dogs demonstrated their skills to great effect and I must thank PC Terry Arrnett for this demonstration. Special thanks must go to Sam and Leo who really were the stars of the show'