Purchase of Dogs and Associated Services

The Police & Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire has awarded a contract for the supply of operational police dogs, including initial training and a guarantee that dogs supplied will achieve the required police licensing standards. The below threshold contract was awarded following approval of an internal exemption. The market for operational police dogs is limited, with only a small number of specialist suppliers capable of sourcing and supplying dogs that meet UK police operational requirements. Each dog must be individually assessed for operational suitability, including temperament, health, trainability, welfare standards and suitability for deployment. Due to the specialist and time-sensitive nature of sourcing suitable police dogs, a competitive procurement process was not considered practical or likely to deliver better value. Value for money is achieved through assessment of each dog against operational requirements, consideration of current market values, and evaluation of health, breeding and welfare standards before purchase. The contract permits the purchase of up to three operational police dogs over a period of up to 18 months, to a maximum value of £27,000 excluding VAT. Supplier details have been withheld under section 94(1)(a) of the Procurement Act 2023 on national security grounds, as disclosure could prejudice operational policing capabilities and increase risks to police dog resources, suppliers and associated facilities.