A North East police dog and her handler have been in Paris ahead of the Olympic Games to help with a security sweep of the games' venues.
PD Pip, an Explosive Detection dog, and her handler PC Darren Smith of Northumbria Police’s Dog Section, were deployed for mutual aid, aiding French security services.
Pip helped to ensure the safety of those attending the Olympics by inspecting venues and highly populated areas early to confirm their security before the influx of large crowds came as the Games began.
Pip's handler PC Darren Smith said: "All I can say is how well the Police Nationale and the Gendarmerie have looked after us.
"It has been a privilege to work and exchange ideas with Explosive Dog Detection teams from all over the world."
"Our animals play a crucial role in the detection and prevention of crime – and the Force is thankful to them for everything they do."
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An eight-year-old Sprocker Spaniel, Pip was donated to the police by a public member and licensed in 2017.
She previously assisted with prominent events like the 2017 Champions League final, G7 and Cop26 summits, and Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.
Pip joined Northumbria Police in 2022, after spending time at Hertfordshire Constabulary.
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