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Decades of growth

DOGS began to join the Thin Blue Line after World War II when it was realised they could help maintain order and catch criminals.

In May 1951 dogs, Kim and Flash, were the first recruited to pound the beat of Birmingham.

Two more dogs and handlers were selected in January 1952.

The Dog Section began to grow and in 1959 moved to an old farmhouse within the grounds of Harborne Golf Club. Following the creation of West Midlands Police in 1974, there were more than 100 dog handlers.

The force launched A breeding programme in 1994 and a year later moved to its current Balsall Common site.

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