Merseyside’s latest crimefighter has a cold nose

Aug 17 2007 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Daily Post

Leticia Crone with Insp' Neil Davis and 'Bobbie' the police dog _320

THE newest recruit to the region’s crime fighting team was named in a ceremony at Merseyside police headquarters yesterday.

Bobbie the police dog, who is already responding to his new name, is one of three new additions to the force along with Gita and Rebel.

The 12-week-old German Shepherd puppy was named following a competition which drew 362 suggestions, including Bouncer, Hope, Copper, Radar and Snifter.

Inspector Neil Davis, head of Merseyside’s dog section, said: “As the youngest puppy will be used to protect the people of Merseyside, it is only right that the public should be the ones to name him.”

Letitia Crone, 17, attended the ceremony as she was one of the ten who suggested the name. Owner of a Husky-Collie cross and Collie-Labrador cross, Letitia said: “We came up with the name because my dad has always called policemen Bobbies.”

Bobby will now be training for six to eight months.

He will then go to a police dog handler and start a 13-week training course at the Merseyside Dog Training Centre.