North Yorkshire Police Dog Pioneer Makes Return Visit

A former York City and North Yorkshire Police officer who helped introduce police dogs into the county more than 60 years ago, has returned to meet today’s Dog Section.

Now 91-years-old, Alan Smith served from 1955 to 1982. In the early 1960s, he and his colleague, and close friend, John Poole, now sadly deceased, were asked by the then Chief Constable to establish York City Police’s first dog-handling unit to support frontline policing. He thought about it for just ten seconds before saying ‘yes.’

With no established unit and no training programme, their work required innovation, determination, and a shared belief in the value that four-legged colleagues could bring to policing.His first police dog, a German Shepherd named Shane, together with John Poole’s dog, Duke, became the first two operational dogs in York City Police.

Their work laid the foundations for a capability that would evolve into today’s modern, highly skilled specialist unit.Between Alan and John, whose legacy continues today through John’s grandson, who is one of the current North Yorkshire Police response officers in Scarborough, the duo arranged their own shifts, with one working during the day and the other evenings, ensuring a two-hour crossover so they could train together every day.

Sadly, Shane had to be put to sleep after a two-year battle with cancer aged six. But not before making an incredible impact, assisting in 30 arrests, with his final one just days before his passing. Shane also achieved the highest qualifications in nose-work, searching, and tracking, and was crowned North-East Champion Police Dog in the very same year he died, in amongst numerous other awards.

In 1974, when North Yorkshire Police was formed to cover areas previously served by the North Riding Constabulary, City of York Police, and the York and North East Yorkshire Police, Alan and John joined the newly established Dog Section to help develop and strengthen its capabilities.

Last week, the force were privileged to welcome Alan and his son to their Dog Section base near Northallerton for a special visit honouring his contribution.Throughout his visit, Alan met some of the current handlers and trainers, heard about what it’s like to be a handler today, and about the wide range of specialisms police dogs now cover including searching for drugs, cash, weapons, digital devices, and explosives.He also got the chance to watch a couple of demonstrations.

The first featured PC Claire Starkey and Trainee Police Dog Ronnie, showcasing obedience skills including heel work, a long down, and a scenario involving a subject armed with a weapon. The second demonstration, led by PC Scott Gatman and Trainee Police Dog Zuma, demonstrated obedience and agility in action.

The visit highlighted how far the unit has evolved since those pioneering early years. Alan brought along newspaper clippings featuring him and Shane, and the team spent time looking through old photo albums of dog handlers spanning the decades.

Speaking about his return to the force, Alan said:

“Coming back has brought back so many memories.

"When we started, we had very little, just two officers, two dogs named Shane and Duke, a lot of enthusiasm, and an A35 van with no markings, no blue lights, and no radio. The biggest challenge for us, though, was that John was 6 foot 4 and weighed 18 stone, which made that tiny van even smaller.

“To see how the Dog Section has grown, the professionalism of the handlers, and the incredible skills of the dogs now… it makes me very proud. I never imagined, back in the 1960s, that it would become what it is today.

“Coming back was very emotional for me, but it meant a lot. I loved being able to talk about Shane, he was a smashing dog, the best, and I couldn’t have done it all without him by my side.”

Sergeant Gareth Gummerson, the Head of our Dog Section, said:

“It was an honour to welcome Alan who is one of the individuals who helped build the foundations of the unit we’re so proud of today.

“The vision and commitment of those early pioneers paved the way for a capability that now plays a vital role in keeping people safe across York and North Yorkshire.

“Our dogs and handlers are part of every aspect of policing, from searching for vulnerable people to tracking suspects, and protecting our communities.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the legacy Alan, John and his colleagues created."

North Yorkshire Police said:

"Today, our Dog Section continues to evolve with modern training methods, specialist search capabilities, advanced equipment, and a much larger team than the pioneering pair who first brought police dogs into the force.

But the core principles of partnership, trust, and loyalty between handler and dog remain exactly the same.His visit offered a rare and valuable opportunity for today’s officers to connect with one of the original architects of the unit, and to reflect on the extraordinary progress made since Shane and Duke first joined the force.

Our thanks to Alan for his pioneering work and for taking the time to join us last week.Both his and John’s vision and dedication laid the foundations for a unit that continues to play a vital role in keeping York and North Yorkshire safe.

And their legacy lives on, not only in the highly skilled unit they helped create, but in the generations of officers and canine companions who continue their mission to keep our communities safe."