Devon and Cornwall Police yesterday (Fri) unveiled its first ever all-female intake of police dogs.

The force has taken on three German Shepherd bitches, the first time it has not recruited any males.

Canine officers usually recruit males because of their superior strength and better temperament.

But Edie (corr), Daisy and Roxy, all only a year old, passed the training ''with flying colours'' and yesterday took their position alongside their male counterparts.

Sergeant Paul Glennon from the force's dog unit said they have surpassed all expectations.

''We usually only take dogs onto the programme because, in the past, bitches haven't been up to the job,'' he said.

''But these three were so exceptional at tracking and 'nosework' exercises that we decided to experiment with them and it has been a huge success.

''They have shown themselves to be every bit as capable as the male of the breed and, in relation to tracking ability, they are probably better.''
The force has taken on three German Shepherd bitches, the first time it has not recruited any males.

Canine officers usually recruit males because of their superior strength and better temperament.

But Edie (corr), Daisy and Roxy, all only a year old, passed the training ''with flying colours'' and yesterday took their position alongside their male counterparts.

Sergeant Paul Glennon from the force's dog unit said they have surpassed all expectations.

''We usually only take dogs onto the programme because, in the past, bitches haven't been up to the job,'' he said.

''But these three were so exceptional at tracking and 'nosework' exercises that we decided to experiment with them and it has been a huge success.

''They have shown themselves to be every bit as capable as the male of the breed and, in relation to tracking ability, they are probably better.''