A window into the world of forensic police dogs within the Metropolitan Police, the UK's largest urban police force.  

Police Constable Clyde Charlesworth has worked forensic dogs for over 15 years, having worked on many significant UK disasters, such as the collapse of Grenfell tower in London, the Croydon tram crash, searches for missing persons Sarah Everard, April Jones, Alice Gross.

Clyde talks to Dogs with Jobs presenter, Kate Fairweather in between displays in the arena at Goodwoof 2024, and explains the scope of work within this scent detection discipline.  Forensic dogs' work is vital in finding evidence to support convictions for violent crime. 

Clyde currently has three dogs - General Purpose Police Dog Bonnie, a black German Shepherd and two spaniels - Rambo, the forensic dog, and Jeff the trainee forensic dog. Clyde also talks about Rambo's sub-specialism, finding bodies in water. 

Despite the sad circumstances in which Rambo and others like him work, this is a low key, relaxed listen, and was recorded in the beautiful surroundings of the Goodwood Estate, at the dog event, Goodwoof 2024.

Photo credit: @nonineedsmedia

Related episodes: 

• P.D. Meika, who searches for London criminals' cash, drugs and firearms 
• P.D. Ted, the explosives detection dog with the West Midlands Police
• P.D. Jax the victim recovery dog with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary;
• Champ, the office based engagement dog in child protection team in the Victorian police in Australia
• Mabel the emotional support dog in the Hampshire & Isle of Wight fire service
• P.D. Didi, the general purpose police dog
• Keo, the wellbeing support dog in the police

Do you work your dog or dogs? 

Or perhaps know someone else whose dog is doing an interesting job? Please get in touch!  I love to hear about dogs with interesting jobs.

Find me at kfairweather5@gmail.com or team@shineradio.uk.  

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather 2024