Don't scare the criminal, police dog handlers told

Police dog handlers have been told to consider whether criminals could be frightened of dogs before using them in raids or searches.

They should also think carefully about the possibility of suspects being allergic to dog hair, according to draft guidelines drawn up by senior officers.

The proposals follow fears that suspects with medical conditions affected by dogs could sue forces which authorise the animals' use during arrests or raids.

Serving officers, however, have ridiculed the plans, claiming they would make police a laughing stock.

'The whole point of police dogs is to frighten people rigid, at least those who have just committed a crime and would otherwise make a clean getaway,' a sergeant told the magazine Police Review.

'They should have considered the mental trauma and possible allergic reaction of 60 lbs of foaming Alsatian clamping its teeth to their extremities before embarking on their latest criminal escapade.

'The traditional shout of "stand still or I will set the dog on you" will presumably now have to become "excuse me, my police dog is quite hairy and might cause alarm as he sinks his fangs into your right thigh  -  is that all right with you?" '

Peter Vaughan, the Association of Chief Police Officers' adviser on dogs, explained the principle behind the proposals.

'The draft guidelines outline a general principle that forces should consider what steps can be taken to avoid offending people during operations.'

Mr Vaughan, a deputy chief constable of South Wales Police, added: 'This might include different categories of people such as those with a fear of dogs, for example, or asthma sufferers who may be sensitive to dog hair.'

PC David Heaps, a dog handling trainer at Derbyshire Constabulary, added: 'We are very mindful not to cause offence.'

However a serving dog handler, who asked not to be named, declared: 'I have never heard anything so ridiculous. What's next? Sparing people custody because they have a fear of enclosed spaces?

'This is just another example of namby-pamby policing laid down by people who haven't been on the beat in years.'

A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said last night: 'In all operations effective policing takes primacy and ACPO guidance reinforces that.

'Detective Chief Constable Vaughan made a point about using dogs in searches in response to a specific issue. The idea that anyone is suggesting criminals should be given advance warning is entirely false.'