THE search is on for four new drugs dogs to join Humberside Police.

The force has launched a recruitment drive as it aims to bolster its dog section from 10 to 14.

It is looking for labrador or springer or cocker spaniel type dogs to be trained as drug and cash detection dogs.

The animals need to be of a good temperament, aged between 12 and 24 months old, and have a high drive to both search for and play with a ball.

Dog handler Sgt Alan Park said: "We have been in touch with our usual contacts, including private breeders and rescue centres, but we are struggling to come up with many dogs that fit the bill so we now need to look a bit further afield."

The new trainees will be allocated to a dog handler, with whom they will live, and upon successfully completing their five-week training, will be sent on jobs across the force area, including drugs raids and vehicle searches.

Dog handler and instructor Paul Harrison said: "The call for cash and drugs detection dogs is rising every day.

"Currently we have got 20 handlers, six drugs dogs and four explosive search dogs, so we are looking to take the number of drugs dogs up to ten.

"The dogs live with the handlers so they are only used by that specific person. They are given to the handlers for two or three weeks and put on a five-week course to get them ready for the streets.

"We have got three instructors and the training is done in and around Hull in buildings, both occupied and unoccupied, and open spaces.

"The dogs must have a very calm temperament, be friendly around people and be very confident. They can't be fazed by going into buildings or unfamiliar areas and they must be energetic."

One of the dogs trained up in the last recruitment drive is springer spaniel Bo.

Dog handler and instructor Paul Harrison said: "We got Bo at about 14 months and he is PC Gideon Hunt's first drugs dog. He has been with us for two years and he has been superb since the day we got him.

"He's a very pro-active and loyal dog and he has had a number of significant finds of drugs and cash. He's always full of energy, ready to work, has never let his handler down. It's a pleasure to have him."

Anyone who has a dog they think might make a good police dog should contact dog handlers Jon Fenton, on 07917 174632 or Paul Harrison, on 07976 618646.