RAF police dog handler

I am thinking about a future career as an RAF police dog handler. I understand that I would have to do the basic training and then do the police training course after. However, I can not find any information on what happens after. Anyone know any information about this, and/or give me information about the duties you carry out as a dog handler?
I could go to the AFCO but it's a bit of a trek from where I live so any information would be greatly appreciated!

I know this was a few years ago, but how likely are you to end up being a dog handler in the RAF? I know with civilian policing you have to do a minimum term before you can apply, and even then you arent guaranteed to get accepted.

Hi Adam,

Thank you for replying! I just have a couple more questions, with regards to the volunteering, are there aspects that would make me more likely to be picked (qualifications and experience)) Or is it a random selection that is chosen?

Thank you again

Hi

ohh okay thank you! I'm considering dog handler in the army also and I'm just wondering whether to go for that as it's the specific joh role. Or apply for the RAF Police and possibly get into the Dog Handler role. Is it only during Phase Two that I can volunteer or can I transfer if I end up doing a different job role in the police? Thank you for answering my questions

Hi,

sorry, transfer wasn't the right word. I mean can I volunteer for the dog handler role even after I'm fully trained RAF Police? Or is it only one opportunity to volunteer for it? I understand that it's only a part of the role, I'm just tryna 'get the feel' so to speak before I make my decision.

thank you again

Hello,
I am currently through the RAF Police selection process, and soon to go on PRTC. I have already been through the selection process for NCA WSOp in which I narrowly missed out and have a strong idea of what the RAF looks for in candidates.

Regarding your questions about RAF police dog handling. You do your basic training, then your phase 2 specialist training for RAF Police. Once you have completed the RAF Police training, you can volunteer to do dog handling duties which will require extra weeks of training.
After your training you will then go on your foundation tour.

Dog handling duties can include:
Now, notice I have not provided you with detailed information regarding training. E.g dates, location etc. This is for your own benefit. I can not stress the importance of PROACTIVITY. This means go out and discover information for yourself. Call up your local AFCO and ask them if they can email you more information about the RAF Police. They should be able to send you RAF Police profile sheet with all the necessary information. Also go and talk to current serving members of the RAF Police. The local AFCO should be able to put you into contact with one. The AFCO are your source of information, utilise it! And believe me, if you are able to say that you've gone and talked to current serving members, then GOLD STARS in your interview.

I hope I've been able to help. As I said earlier, I'm well seasoned in the way the RAF process candidates so if you have any more questions about the selection process, feel free to ask.

As someone who is a RAFP dog handler, I'll give you a little insight to this question. Like someone previously said, it would be good if you do ring the AFCO and badger them for information regarding it- it'll make you look keen, proactive and make you stand out. That said, there really isn't a lot online about becoming a dog handler. It's very hard to find any information unless someone at your AFCO has ever done RAFP dog handler work, which is unlikely as we like being outdoors, not in an office! Anyway, you join up to do RAFP so do 25 weeks in Portsmouth. Whilst you are there you learn everything that's involved with the trade and the types of area you may go into after you graduate- we have a lot of sub areas for example, GPD (general police duties), ATSY ( airport security) Protective Security, Dog Handling, TPS etc etc. You'll get loads of information regarding these and before you graduate, you'll get to pick 3 preferences of type of role (dogs, gpd, TPS etc) and location. It's not guarenteed you'll get your top choice, however let's say you get your second choice. You're not stuck in it forever! You can try every sub branch of policing throughout your career if you choose. If you don't like GPD you can do other things, likewise with everything else. Dog handling is amazing but you've got to put yourself out there and throw yourself into it! You don't need anything else whilst at training to do with dogs. I'd never owned a dog before so you certainly dont need any specific things to be one, just a passion. Hope this helps .