What was your call sign on RW?
XD34 – Xray Delta 34
What’s your nickname?
Valley Boy or Meat
Why did you become a police officer?
Usual thing really always wanted to join the force, my elder cousin joined and I was intrigued by his war stories. I also think its can be a very rewarding career plus its got a great pension..
What’s your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of the job is when everything falls into place and we catch the bad guys weathers its for a basic section 5 or for a more serious offence. Its nice not to let them win and remind them the good guys wear black.
What was your favourite RW moment that you were in?
My best moment is my first dog bite with Boris which I think airs in episode 14. We have a short pursuit with a decamp, Boris and I track the offender, we find him hiding in a bush and Boris bites him as he starts to kick out. It’s a must watch. (also on the podcast)
What was your favourite RW moment of another officer’s?
Chris Piggott playing the guitar and singing “Just Say No”
What was it like being followed by a camera crew?
Its good fun. It takes a little bit of time to get used to having to make sure they are safe and looked after when your also trying to carry out your job and look after Boris… or does Boris look after me?!! Some would say he’s the brains of the operation. Its also nice to have some company as us Dog Handlers crew on our own. Get your small violins out!!
If you weren’t a police officer, what do you think you would be doing?
Either a cabinet maker or a wood work teacher. But before joining the police I worked at Reading Police Control Room being the voice that sends officers to jobs and dealing with 999 calls.
How did you become a dog handler?
I always wanted to be Dog Handler and it was just a matter of time waiting for a vacancy to come up. Its like dead mans shoes. There is only 34 Dog Handlers in the Force and that’s split through the 3 Counties. Berkshire has 1 PS and 11 PC Handlers, Oxfordshire has 1 PS and 9 PC Handlers and Buckinghamshire has 1 PS and 11 PC Handlers. We also have an Inspector in charge a PS in charge of Training and 2 Full time PC Trainers. When the vacancy came up I had to apply in writing with quite an in-depth application form, I then had to have a fitness test, medical, 2 day dog assessment and then the interview. Once you are in you have to pass the 12 week course and also a written exam.
Have you had and trained Boris from a puppy and is he the only dog you work with?
I had Boris from when he was 11 months old. Prior to that he was with a puppy walker who socialised him. Boris and I where both new to the game and we both had to learn together. It’s a 12 week course and either you or your dog can fail at anytime. It’s really good because you form a really close bond in the early months. Boris like all Thames Valley Police Dogs live at home with their handlers. Although they live outside in a kennel, they are walked 4 times a day rain or shine even if you’re not working.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that not many people know:
I’m an avid Evertonian and try and watch them as often as I can. I also manage a football team.
Interviewed 28 October 2007
