These trials were organised by the Police Dog Unit as a series of competitions to enhance co-operation between handlers and their dogs, and to promote responsible pet ownership among Force members and their families.

The event began with a competition divided into three categories: novice, open and advanced for general patrol dogs. Some 50 dogs and their handlers took part in events involving attack drills and obedience.

For the first time, some 20 dogs and their handlers took part in new competitions testing their competence in searching for dangerous drugs and explosives.

At noon, there were performances by the Police Band and the Police Dog Unit and these were followed by a demonstration by a Royal Netherland Police Dog Association certified 'Malinois', named Max, which was recently imported from the Netherlands and featured on the front cover of OffBeat Issue No 743.

There were many spectators present, and most were obviously impressed with the skills exhibited by handlers and their canine partners in the fight against crime.