Duke and Elvis: The latest recruits to join the Queensland Police unit

Duke and Elvis, a pair of two-year-old German Shepherds, are the newest recruits to Queensland Police Service, who have been training with their handlers at Brisbane’s dog handler course before moving to Far North Queensland.

From tracking offenders to searching buildings and criminal busts, canine pals Duke and Elvis are the two newest recruits to join Queensland Police Service.

The pair of two-year-old German Shepherds have been training with their handlers down at Brisbane’s dog handler course before relocating to Far North Queensland.

Senior Constable Brian McLeod said he was humbled to have won the very sought-after position as a new dog handler here in Cairns.

“I met Duke on my first day of the course and I think we’ve bonded pretty well, but the handler-dog bond generally works over time,” he said.

Senior Constable Brian McLeod with his new recruit, two-year-old Police Dog Duke. Picture: Emma Cam.

Constable McLeod said while he has the “policing” side of things down pat, having served the Far North Queensland community for the past decade, his focus will now be on working with an animal and trying to “get the most out of the dog”.

“He’s a good dog, he’s got a good temperament, tracks well and he’s done everything I’ve asked of him so far, such as tracking a few offenders from stolen cars and break-ins,” he said.

The biggest challenge so far for Constable McLeod and Police Dog Duke was working out their communication method as they build an understanding of one another.

Senior Constable, Brian McLeod said Duke will “do anything for his ball”. Picture: Emma Cam.

“He will communicate with you, but it’s up to me to learn the communication, he’s always trying to tell you something but it’s up to me to learn what he’s telling me and when he’s telling it to me,” he said.

With the addition of the two new dogs, Duke and Elvis, Acting Sergeant Daniel Fysh said it was a “brilliant asset” to have more dogs on their existing team of five.

“It gives us another means of locating offenders and assisting in locating people that have gone missing,” he said.

“We have a working life for the dogs of up to eight years, we want them to have a good retirement after they’re finished working for us.”

Police dog Elvis has been paired with experienced handler Senior Constable Adrian Marek.

“It’s a position that a lot of people, once they get into the dog squad, they like to remain there. I believe it’s the best job in the service,” Sergeant Fysh said.

Originally published as Duke and Elvis: The latest recruits to join the Queensland Police unit