Northumbria
Police is trialling two new additions to its dog squad, Sammy and Zara, who
have been augmented with cameras.
The dogs wear a digital camera system, dubbed Fido, that allows their
controllers to monitor what they see via a wireless link. The cameras also have
infrared capabilities to allow viewing in reduced light.
PC Jim Soutar, who has responsibility for the force's dogs, told the
BBC: "I'm constantly looking
at general purpose dogs throughout the force and if I think they have potential
I will give them a development programme.
"We're looking for dogs with above average drive who can operate under
stressful conditions."
The cameras are either mounted on the dog's harness or attached to the head
via a chin strap. The animals have also been trained to carry mobile phones and
deliver them to criminals during a situation in which hostages have been taken.
Northumbria Police has something of a reputation when it comes to canine
policing. Earlier in the year it became the first force to introduce boots for
its police dogs.
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