Postgraduate researcher, Emily Beth Davies, is undertaking a PhD research project investigating public views on using police dogs in the 21st century. Here she explores her research and survey assessing public opinion on police dogs.
"Police dogs, often referred to as K9s, are a vital part of modern policing. Trained in areas ranging from narcotics detection to search and rescue, these canine officers possess capabilities far beyond those of their human counterparts. However, while the utility of police dogs is well recognised within policing circles, the public perception of police dogs has been neglected.
Police dogs have long been employed to support officers in high-risk or specialised scenarios. Breeds such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador Retrievers are trained for discipline, obedience, scent detection, and apprehension of suspects. These dogs can locate drugs, explosives, and even missing persons. Their senses and loyalty make them indispensable in dangerous operations. In many cases, their presence alone can de-escalate situations and protect officers from harm.
The public perception of police dogs is varied and often influenced by broader sentiments about policing. In communities with a high level of trust in the police, police dogs are frequently seen as heroic, loyal companions that risk their lives to keep the public safe. Conversely, in communities where police practices are under scrutiny, often due to concerns about excessive force or racial profiling, police dogs can evoke fear or distrust. Historical images of police dogs helping to quash civil rights protests in the US still casts a long shadow in some communities. These associations could lead to hostility toward the use of dogs in policing today.
In a world where technology is constantly developing, and the use of AI is increasing, we need to ascertain if police dogs are still needed in a modern-day society. Some police forces around the world are using robotic dogs and aerial drones to do the work traditional police dogs once did.
This research focuses upon police dogs being deployed as a use of force, and the ethical considerations which surround police dogs, such as animal safety and wellbeing. A survey assessing public opinion on police dogs will offer valuable insights into how communities perceive police dogs.
This survey aims to evaluate public trust, safety perceptions, and ethical considerations regarding the use of dogs in policing. Questions and scenarios focus on the public's views on dogs as a use of force, suspect apprehension, and alternative policing trough the growth of AI. In addition, interviews which explore public perception of police dogs provide deeper, more nuanced insights than surveys alone. Through open-ended questions and personal dialogue, interviews allow the researcher to understand how individuals feel about the presence and role of police dogs in their communities."
Have your say in the research
If you are interested in taking part in the research project, please complete the online survey.
If you would like to find out more, please contact Emilybeth.Davies@mail.bcu.ac.uk, or Craig.Jackson@bcu.ac.uk or Laura.Hammond@bcu.ac.uk
