Animal Welfare Lay Visitors Scheme
What are the Objectives of the Scheme?
In 2008 Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Constabularies agreed to collaborate to maintain a single police dog handling service shared by both forces. The Unit’s main training and management base is at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire. Hertfordshire officers use various stations in Hertfordshire as bases, whilst Bedfordshire officers use RAF Henlow.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Police Authorities maintain a joint Animal Welfare Lay Visitors Scheme. The Scheme enables appointed members of the local community together with professionals from animal welfare organisations to observe and report upon the condition under which police dogs are trained, transported, deployed and cared for. The Scheme provides a mechanism for an independent check on the welfare of police dogs. It makes available for inspection by lay visitors, training records and medical history of police dogs. The Scheme also provides a feedback forum in relation to any findings by lay visitors.
Click here to view annual reports of the Joint Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Animal Welfare Lay Visiting Scheme
What is a lay visitor?
Lay Visitors act on behalf of both Police Authorities visiting police stations and police dog training areas observing the animals and reporting back. Lay Visitors are volunteers and therefore do not get paid. However, all travel expenses incurred are reimbursed by Hertfordshire Police Authority.
Each application to become a Lay Visitor is treated on its merits however visitors should be familiar with working animals and the conditions under which they operate.
Visitors must have no direct involvement with the constabulary i.e., serving police officers, police community support officers, police staff and special constables are excluded.
This is to prevent possible conflicts of interest for the individual, and to maintain the independence of the Scheme.
Applicants will be invited to attend information/training sessions organised by the Police Authority in consultation with, the Chief Constable, Dog Supervisors and appropriate professional national welfare organisations. The training will include training methods, animal welfare, transportation and health and safety. The Police Authority may periodically arrange additional training sessions in response to new training practices and procedures adopted by the Police.
Newly appointed lay visitors complete a 6 month probationary period, before joining the panel on a permanent basis.
How much time are Lay Visitors expected to commit?
This would vary but would be about 2-4 hours per month plus a quarterly meeting.
How do I apply to become a Lay Visitor?
We will from time to time advertise for Lay visitors so please look for our adverts in the local press.
Where can I get further information on the Scheme?
Full details of the scheme will be provided upon appointment.