Police cadets learned about the role of man's best friend and how they help tackle crime.

PC Jill Fletcher and Inspector Paddy O’Hara took their dog, Chip along to Harrow High School, in Gayton Road, Harrow, on Thursday last week, giving young cadets a chance to witness Chip's unique policing skills, such as its ability to track a suspect or to detect stolen property.

PC Simon Underwood, youth engagement coordinator, said: “This was a fantastic evening and the DSU did us proud in particular ‘PD Chip’ who was naturally the star of the show and is a real credit to Jill his handler.

"To say the cadets enjoyed the evening is an understatement and it enabled them to have a real insight into not only what immense capabilities the police dogs have in supporting officers on the street, but also the effort and training that goes into being a Police Dog Handler.

“Evenings like this are so important for young people and help immensely for them to better understand the different strands of policing."

If you are interested in becoming a cadet, contact PC Simon Underwood at Simon.A.Underwood@met.police.uk with your contact details.