Former Mansfield officer lands 'dream job' in Nottinghamshire Police's dog unit

Sgt Lee joined the force in 2004 and took over at the dog section at the beginning of last month.

He now leads a team of 14 officers and dogs whose duties range from responding to emergency call outs to supporting specialist and pre-planned operations.

Sgt Lee, who previously led the Mansfield Operation Reacher Team, said: “Growing up I always knew I was going to be a police officer, and when I pictured that in my mind I always imagined myself as a dog officer.

“Like everyone else on the section I am a dog lover. I really don’t think you could do this job if you weren’t.

“Ever since I was four and my dad bought us home a puppy that had been abandoned at the police station I have grown up around dogs. I really can’t remember a time when I’ve not had them in my life.

“Dogs are and will always be a fundamental part of policing. They provide a skill set and flexibility that cannot be replicated by any other person or technology.

"I always knew there must be a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes for the section to the reach the standards it does, but to be able to witness that first hand is truly remarkable.

“I’ve been in this role for a month now and I am just so excited about the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead of all of us.”