PD Cooper wishes you all a very Happy Christmas

Earlier this year, PD Cooper qualified as a new Essex Police dog, and he’s taken a short “paws” from his Christmas day duties to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

May 2024 saw the German Shepherd become a fully licensed police dog. He completed an intensive 13-week training course to become part of our Dog Unit, helping his two-legged colleagues in the fight against crime.

Two-year-old PD Cooper has really grown into his role as a police dog. With every job he goes to, he becomes more confident with applying his training.

From tracking suspects, sniffing out discarded property, finding drugs and chasing anyone trying to evade arrest, Cooper relishes being a police dog.

PD Cooper remains just as enthusiastic today as he was on his first day patrolling the county.  His work has included finding four suspected criminals and seven pieces of property believed to be linked to crime. 

And Cooper and his handler, PC Ben Norfolk, are working on Christmas Day this year helping to keep everyone safe over the festive period.  

PC Norfolk said:

“Cooper is a loving and loyal companion – everyone loves him! Well, maybe not those he’s chasing. But he is loved by his fellow human work colleagues.
“He is truly the ultimate “partner in crime” and I’m so proud of how he’s developing into the role.
“This will be our first Christmas together, so it’ll be special.
“I’m looking forward to spoiling him.”

PC Norfolk joined Essex Police seven years ago and is our newest dog handler. He and PD Cooper began working together in January this year, and have been fantastic partners ever since.

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